Alexander Ovechkin could help change important law in Russia
The Washington Capitals season is unfortunately over, and Alexander Ovechkin is heading home to to Russia for the offseason.
It's no secret that Alex Ovechkin is one of the most respected men in sports, particularly in his home country.
Well, it appears that Russian officials are leaning on Alexander Ovechkin for an important issue: alcohol.
For years, alcohol sales have been banned from Russian sporting event - quite frankly, an unfathomable concept here in North America.
Now, Russian officials are asking Alex Ovechkin for help as they want to bring back beer to the festivities.
Russia wants to bring beer back to the stadium
According to RMNB, Ovechkin returned to his native Russia with his family last week after the Capitals were eliminated in the second round of this year's NHL playoffs. Svishchev wants Ovechkin to share his opinion, as he says his bill to return alcohol to Russia's sporting events is reportedly having a tough time finding enough support to pass.
«Alexander Ovechkin always comes to Russia, where he is a welcome guest for everyone,» State Duma deputy Dmitry Svishchev told VseProSport's Ildar Satdinov, per a translation from Google Translate. «He is in demand everywhere, as the greatest athlete, media personality, citizen of Russia. Wherever he comes, the success of the event is guaranteed.
«I would like to invite Ovechkin to a round table on the sale of beer in stadiums, which will be held on June 9. It is important for me to know his position. I have not heard that there are restrictions on the sale of beer in stadiums in the USA. I saw footage after one of the Washington matches, where Sasha was with beer.»
«It would be interesting to know Ovechkin's opinion, as an athlete playing in the world's leading hockey league, why beer is allowed in stadiums there, how it is allowed, whether it affects the alcoholization of society in the USA,» Svishchev said. «For some reason, beer is banned here, and our bill is currently being passed with great difficulty. The opinion of colleagues from overseas will be very important in this matter.»
«When the decision was made about stadiums, it came from the best of intentions,» Putin said in 2012. «Okay, we'll return to it again and think about it.»
As per RMNB, Ovechkin has been very open about his thoughts regarding beer, considering drinking it not only a fun, celebratory practice but also a practical and strategic tool. During a Russian interview last summer, Ovechkin revealed that the Capitals have a beer fridge in their coach's room.
«We just like to relax,» Ovechkin said. «After hockey, you are tired, a couple of glasses of wine or beer is normal It relieves tension.»
| POLL | ||
MAI 30 | 9 ANSWERS Alexander Ovechkin could help change important law in Russia Do you think Alex Ovechkin will bring beer back to Russian stadiums? | ||
| Yes | 8 | 88.9 % |
| No | 1 | 11.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
