Washington Capitals condemn the war but supports its Russian players

For the first time, the team that houses Russia's star and current best player in the world, Aleksandr Ovechkin, has spoken out publicly about the war. The team said in the statement that it "fully supports our Russian players and their families abroad.”

“Monumental Sports & Entertainment and the Washington Capitals join the National Hockey League in condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the loss of innocent life. We urge and hope for a peaceful resolution as quickly as possible,” read the statement shared on Twitter. 

“The Capitals also stand in full support of our Russian players and their families overseas. We realize they are being put in a difficult situation and stand by to offer our assistance to them and their families,” the statement continues. 

Statement from the Washington Capitals: pic.twitter.com/oXp4OMYMCd

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) March 8, 2022

The team from the U.S. capital has four Russian-born players on its roster, including Alex Ovechkin, a known personal friend of President Vladimir Putin. On his profile picture on Instagram Ovechkin poses with Putin. His other Russian team members are striker Evgeny Kuznetsov, goalkeeper Ilya Samsonov, and defender Dmitry Orlov.

Ovechkin has openly shown his support for Putin in the past and when asked about that relationship, he called it a difficult situation for both sides. "Well, he is my president. But as I said, I'm not in politics. I'm an athlete and, as I said, I hope it will all be over soon."

Alex Ovechkin of the @Capitals scored twice Tuesday to reach 766 goals in his NHL career and tie Jaromir Jagr for third place on the League’s all-time list.#NHLStats: https://t.co/sqYC3jgQmR pic.twitter.com/F4tqULpbx6

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 9, 2022

In his first comment following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Capitals captain called for peace. "Please, no more war. No matter who is at war in Russia, Ukraine, different countries, I think we have to live in a peaceful world," Ovechkin said.

The announcement came as Washington begins a three-game tour of Western Canada against the Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames, and Vancouver Canucks. All three teams have expressed support for Ukraine, with the Oilers' helmets even sporting Ukrainian flag stickers