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A Name to Know: Alexander Ovechkin
Written by: Chris McCluskey on 01/01/2003 
On his early hockey career:
I started skating at the age of seven and began to play when I was nine. My brother Sergei, who passed away, is the one who got me started by bringing me to the Dynamo school to learn. But I had to quit the Dynamo school after long because my parents could not take me anymore.
On the Canadian media:
Canada is a special place, the birthplace of hockey, so there will be a lot of attention. It is to be expected.
On his influences:
My brother Sergei who got me started. Every time I play I think of him and I always say thanks to him.
I always looked up at Nicklas Lidstrom when I was young. My favorite Soviet would have been Alexander Maltsev. Just because of the way he saw the ice, his vision, and shot as well.
On the NHL Entry Draft:
I don't care if I am number one, two, or number ten. My goal right now is to win the gold medal for my team. Then I'll go back to my team is Russia and work hard there.
On his long term hockey career:
I am enjoying myself tremendously. This is my life, this is the air I breathe.
On the increased competitiveness and stability of the Russian Superliga:
I'll be honest, this isn't something I think about at all. I know a lot of big name players have come to Russia the past few years but it's not something I think about.
On his mother, who is a former Olympic basketball champion:
I am very proud of my mother. She is not only an Olympic champion, but a Russian and international champion as well. She helps me a lot on a daily basis including how to conduct myself on and off the ice.
On why he chose hockey with his parents so heavily involved in basketball:
I asked my mom why she didn't take me to the basketball schoos, hockey was Sergei's idea.
On Team Canada:
We watched their games while we were in Sydney and they're a great team that plays with a lot of enthusiasm. But We'll be able to handle them, we'll see who's better.
On Team Russia:
We have a very good team with a lot of unity in the dressing room. There is a lot of talent and it is a great team environment.
On a gold medal finish:
Everyone on the team came here to win the gold medal. The rest of the plan is a secret.
On coming to North America to play junior hockey:
I am not even thinking about it. It is not something that I want to do.
On when his decision to become an athlete:
My mother knew I was an athlete when I wanted to go up ten flights of stairs to my apartment instead of taking the stairs (laughs).
On comparisons to Ilya Kovalchuk:
Ilya Kovalchuk was the best junior player in Russia and has proven himself. I have yet to get there so this is hard to say. It depends on my own game and my ability.
On Canadian fans:
I am amazed at their love for the game.
On the exposure the World Juniors get in Russia:
They are on tv and just as big as in Canada. I am in touch with my mother and she watches it in Russia.
On his limited playing time and defeat against Team USA in the World Under-18 Championships:
We got down two to nothing. When they scored against us in the last minute it was very disappointing for the team. A disappointing experience.
Note: Some questions were asked in a press conference setting
Copyright 2003 Hockey’s Future. Do not reprint or otherwise duplicate without permission of the editorial staff.
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