Cooley admired Crosby, but he grew up a Washington Capitals fan for a very specific reason: Alex Ovechkin. “That's the real one,” said Cooley, who's now playing for the Utah Hockey Club.

PHOTOS: Alex Ovechkin has been role model his whole career. That goes beyond Washington and Russia The admiration starts at home, from players who were years or decades from putting on skates when ...

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin shoots the puck during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Anaheim Ducks, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)(AP ...