Capitals' Alex Ovechkin to aid cancer research with each goal - ESPN

Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin is 11 goals away from making NHL history and breaking Wayne Gretzky's career goals record. Starting Wednesday, every goal Ovechkin scores in that quest — and for the rest of his career — will raise funds toward pediatric cancer research.

Ovechkin has partnered with Hockey Fights Cancer and the V Foundation for Cancer Research to launch «THE GR8 CHASE for Victory Over Cancer,» a campaign inspired by the Capitals captain's pursuit of Gretzky's NHL record of 894 goals.

Beginning with Wednesday night's game at the New York Rangers, Ovechkin will donate a dollar amount equal to his career goal total for every goal he scores for the remainder of his NHL career. Ovechkin's donation will be matched by Monumental Sports & Entertainment, which owns the Capitals.

Ovechkin, 39, has invited fans to join the fundraising effort with him, with a suggested donation of $8 — Ovechkin's jersey number — or any amount they can give. The Capitals said 100% of donations will go directly toward pediatric cancer research through the V Foundation.

«There is so much attention on the chase, so I'm using that to help. We should all help and make cancer go away,» Ovechkin told ESPN. «It doesn't matter where you live, cancer touches everyone. It's important for all of us to talk about finding a cure.»

Ovechkin has 884 goals in 1,471 career games, all with the Capitals. The three-time NHL MVP has 31 goals in 45 games in 2024-25, and is on pace to break Gretzky's record before the end of the regular season. The Capitals, who own the Eastern Conference's best record at 39-14-8, have 21 games left.

The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, the Hall of Fame NC State