Obama On Ovechkin: “We’re Very Pleased To Have Him In D.C.”

The Washington Capitals’ Alexander Ovechkin is not only a newly-minted Ambassador for the 2014 Olympic hosts, but now The White House sees his value as a cultural bridge. President Obama, in a speech today at Moscow’s New Economic School graduation ceremony, reached out to young Russians with a little name-dropping:

 

These are contributions that are not contained by Russia’s borders, as vast as those borders are. Indeed, Russia’s heritage has touched every corner of the world, and speaks to the humanity that we share. That includes my own country, which has been blessed with Russian immigrants for decades; we’ve been enriched by Russian culture, and enhanced by Russian cooperation. And as a resident of Washington, D.C., I continue to benefit from the contributions of Russians — specifically, from Alexander Ovechkin. We’re very pleased to have him in Washington, D.C. (Applause.)

Perhaps President Obama’s shout-out indicates a visit to Ted Leonsis’ owner’s box this season? It would be a landmark moment for our burgeoning hockey town to have the President in attendence — navigating the extra Phone Booth security aside, the President’s in-person embrace of the Capitals would be an exciting night for fans and team alike.