On February 24th, Russia's President, Vladimir Putin, ordered Russian soldiers to invade Ukraine. As a result, the Ukrainian people have had to defend their lives and their freedom in an inhumane war against Russia. 

Alexander Ovechkin is a Russian hockey player that joined the Washington Capitals in 2005. Over the years, he has taken to his Instagram to post several photos with President Putin. These posts include birthday tributes, award ceremonies and videos honouring Putin's speeches. More specifically, in November of 2017, he announced his creation of a public movement called "Putin Team" in support of the President and "Russian pride."

Today, all of these posts are still active on Ovechkin's account and his profile picture is an image of him standing next to Putin. 

There are several other Russian players in the NHL, however, Ovechkin is the only one who has publicly displayed his support for President Putin despite his appalling actions towards Ukraine's sovereignty. 

Hockey has always been a family-friendly sport that brings people of all backgrounds and ethnicities together. By supporting Putin and his violence against Ukraine, Ovechkin is not only supporting a war criminal, but he is also destroying the reputation and purpose of the Washington Capitals, the NHL and hockey as a whole.

If you are in support of the Washington Capitals and the National Hockey League expelling Alexander Ovechkin, please sign this petition.