Washington Capitals captain Alexander Ovechkin has a fan in the president and the president's daughter.
As he hosted the team at the White House on Monday, the U.S. president said he's a 'hockey fan and a Capitals fan' and importantly an Ovechkin fan.
So is his daughter Ivanka, he said. 'She's a friend, and she's a tremendous fan,' he said of the senior White House official.
Trump said it was a 'great honor' for him to host them, because he's such a fan of the team and the Russian player.
'This guy, I have no choice but to be his fan. Because he is something special. Look at those hands, huh,' he said, patting Ovechkin on the hand as he complimented him.
Washington Capitals captain Alexander Ovechkin has a fan in the president and the president's daughter - Trump said it was a 'great honor' for him to host them, because he loves the team and the Russian player
'This guy, I have no choice but to be his fan. Because he is something special,' the president said during an Oval Office event
'Look at those hands, huh,' he said, patting Ovechkin, the hockey team's captain
U.S. President Donald Trump hosts the 2018 Stanley Cup champions: the Washington Capitals in the Oval Office of the White House
Trump shakes hands with John Carlson of the 2018 Stanley Cup Champion Washington Capitals hockey team in the Oval Office of the White House as teammate T.J. Oshie watches
The president, who spoke from a seated position, reached up and put out his palm, inviting the player to give him a handshake. 'Special guy. Special athlete, player,' he repeated.
Trump couldn't stop talking about the player, saying the team was 'led to victory' by the 'very special athlete, a great player, Team Captain Alex Ovechkin' who is fondly referred to as 'Alexander the Great' by his admirers.
'And his hard work and loyalty has paid off last season. He outscored every player in the league. Wow. That's not bad. Right?' the president said.
Trump said he expects the Capitals to extend their winning streak, with the left wing who has played for the team for more than a decade leading them to victory in the playoffs once again.
'Sixty-four goals, a hundred and fourteen points, and was named the playoff MVP. And that was easy. Nobody did more to deserve the Conn Smythe Trophy. And, Alex, congratulations. And we're going to all be watching you in a few weeks -- in a couple of weeks,' he said.
The New York native said his staff is obsessed with the Caps, and the playoffs were a distraction this time last year.
'They won something last year, and it was just -- that’s all
