Alex Ovechkin keeps the stick that got him Wayne Gretzky’s record-breaking career NHL goal - 895th

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Apr 7, 2025, 16:49 IST

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Alexander Ovechkin achieved an extraordinary milestone by breaking Wayne Gretzky's record with his 895th NHL goal against the New York Islanders. In a display of sportsmanship, Islanders goalie Ilya Sorokin gifted Ovechkin his game-used stick. Sorokin asked for nothing in return but respect, highlighting true camaraderie and the spirit of hockey.

Alex Ovechkin keeps the stick that got him Wayne Gretzky’s record-breaking career NHL goal - 895th

(Image via Getty: Alexander Ovechkin)

What a memorabilia to keep! What a record to break. What a dream come true moment! For Alexander Ovechkin. 895th goal against the New York Islanders. Wayne Gretzky’s record-breaker against New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin. What memorabilia to keep? What a record to break! We could keep repeating this, but it still won’t sink in, right? As Ilya Sorokin shared with NHL.com, “It’s a big moment for all hockey world. Congrats to him and his family. He’s a big player, and it’s an unbelievable achievement.” As a result of this unbelievable achievement of breaking The Great One’s record of 894 career NHL goals, Alex Ovechkin received a stick from New York Islanders’ goalie Ilya Sorokin.

“I need that stick,” said Wayne Gretzky’s record-breaker Alex Ovechkin to New York Islanders Ilya Sorokin immediately after breaking The Great One’s record of 894 career NHL goals

“I told him right away, I need that stick.” shared Washington Capitals ice hockey left winger and captain Alex Ovechkin with NHL.com, addressing New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin as soon as Ovechkin had struck his 895th goal into the Islanders’ net, which Ilya Sorokin was protecting.
“He asked about a stick. I said no problem.” Ilya Sorokin was more than willing to gift Alex Ovechkin his record-breaking stick as a token of the highest form of appreciation, respect, and team spirit! From one goaltender to a captain. From one NHL player to another NHL player.

“Respect?” said Ilya Sorokin on being asked what he wanted in return for giving up his record-breaking stick to Alex Ovechkin

A classic display of honorableness. A classic display of camaraderie beyond competition. That’s what transpired between New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin and Washington Capitals left winger and captain Alex Ovechkin. The goal, the stick that had let Alexander Ovechkin strike Wayne Gretzky’s record-breaking career NHL goal of 895, Alex Ovechkin wanted that. And The Great One’s vanquisher got that from goalie Ilya Sorokin. But what did the New York Islanders goalie want in return for giving up his game-used stick? “I don’t know. Respect?” shared Ilya Sorokin with NHL.com. 29 YO goalie Ilya Sorokin gifted 39 YO Alex Ovechkin his Wayne-Gretzky-record-breaking stick and, in return, asked for nothing else but respect! True friendship beyond the rink. The true spirit of sportsmanship. The truest form of respect!
Also Read: “When I was breaking Gordie Howe’s record, he was there,” Wayne Gretzky is now at Alex Ovechkin’s record-breaking moment | NHL News - The Times of India

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TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

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