NHL star Alex Ovechkin kept from media following Russia's invasion of Ukraine

Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

Washington Capitals star forward Alex Ovechkin was seemingly kept away from the media ahead of Thursday’s game against the New York Rangers just hours after his native Russia invaded Ukraine. 

Ovechkin, who is a known public supporter of Russian President Vladimir Putin, was requested by the media Thursday morning but was not made available as the team wanted to keep the focus on the game against the Rangers, according to Washington Post beat reporter Samantha Pell. 

Ovechkin, who has played in over 100 games for the Russian National Hockey team, is reportedly expected to address the situation but "wants further time," Pell added. 

RUSSIA INVADES UKRAINE: LIVE UPDATES

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin is pictured during the National Hockey League game between the Washington Capitals and the New York Rangers on Feb. 24, 2022, at Madison Square Garden in New York.  (Joshua Sarner/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The 2018 Stanley Cup champion has been a known supporter of Putin. In 2017 he announced he was starting "PutinTeam," a social movement to support Putin in the 2018 Russian elections. 

RUSSIAN NHL PROSPECT, 20, DIAGNOSED WITH BRAIN TUMOR: ‘I WANT TO STAY POSITIVE’ 

On Friday, the NHL star’s Instagram profile picture was a snap of him and Putin together. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) and Russian Ice Hockey Team player Alexander Ovechkin stand together during a reception in the Kremlin for the national team, who won the 2014 Ice Hockey World Championship, May 27, 2014, in Moscow, Russia.  (Sasha Mordovets/Getty Images)

Ovechkin faced off against fellow Russian Artemi Panarin, who previously criticized Putin and last