FILE - Mikhail Ovechkin, stands as his wife receives a kiss from their son, Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin, with his then-fianc Nastya Shubskay, right, before he was presented a commemorative hockey stick by owner Ted Leonsis, Jan. 14, 2016, in Washington. Ovechkin says his father, Mikhail, has died. The Capitals captain delivered the news in Russian on his Instagram account. Ovechkin left the team yesterday to tend to a family health matter regarding a loved one. Coach Peter Laviolette said he expected Ovechkin to be gone for at least the rest of the week and away for the foreseeable future. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, file)FILE - Alex Ovechkin, left, of Russia, reacts after being selected as the first overall pick by the Washington Capitals during the NHL Draft, June 26, 2004, at the RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C. At right is Ovechkin's father Mikhail. Ovechkin says his father has died. The Capitals captain delivered the news in Russian on his Instagram account. Ovechkin left the team yesterday to tend to a family health matter regarding a loved one. Coach Peter Laviolette said he expected Ovechkin to be gone for at least the rest of the week and away for the foreseeable future. (AP Photo/Grant Halverson, file)
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FILE - Mikhail Ovechkin, stands as his wife receives a kiss from their son, Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin, with his then-fianc Nastya Shubskay, right, before he was presented a commemorative hockey stick by owner Ted Leonsis, Jan. 14, 2016, in Washington. Ovechkin says his father, Mikhail, has died. The Capitals captain delivered the news in Russian on his Instagram account. Ovechkin left the team yesterday to tend to a family health matter regarding a loved one. Coach Peter Laviolette said he expected Ovechkin to be gone for at least the rest of the week and away for the foreseeable future. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, file)
Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin says his father, Mikhail, has died at age 71.
“Today my father passed away," Ovechkin posted in Russian on his Instagram account. “I thank everyone for their support but ask that you be understanding and not disturb my family at such a hard time for us! Thank you.”
Ovechkin left the Capitals on Tuesday to tend to what the team called a family health matter regarding a loved one. Coach Peter Laviolette said he expected Ovechkin to be gone for at least the rest of the week and away for the foreseeable future.
“Life is tough,” Laviolette said. “When it comes to your family and parents, that’s what matters. He’s going to deal with some things right now, and we’re going to be supportive."
Ovechkin’s father had not been in Washington in recent years while dealing with health issues at home in Moscow. Before that, Mikhail was a familiar face at the Capitals' practice facility and at games watching his son.
“Mr. Ovechkin was a true gentleman and was such a significant and consistent presence at Capitals games and practices,” the team said in a statement. "With a constant smile on his face, he loved interacting with our fans and expressing his gratitude for their support of his son, of whom he was incredibly proud.
“Our organization's thoughts are with the Ovechkin family at this difficult time.”
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