"2 to 3 cans of beer, with pleasure" - Alexander Ovechkin reveals Capital players' sneaky postgame habit

By Zachary Roberts

Modified Jul 31, 2024 18:23 GMT

Alexander Ovechkin is often down to celebrate after a game with his teammates. That pretty much always includes a few alcoholic beverages from the beer fridge the Washington Capitals have in their locker room.

Ovechkin was speaking to his blogger friend Amiran Sardarov in a recent interview and discussed his preferences after a game of hockey.

Ovechkin said (translated from Russian):

“I can’t imagine a [player] who says he doesn’t drink, …You can take a break for a certain time, but after the game, 2 to 3 cans of beer – with pleasure.

“In Washington, we have a refrigerator with beer in the coaching room. It’s normal.”

The superstar NHL player believes that everyone ought to have some beer after a hard-fought contest. Hockey is one of the most physically demanding sports out there, and Ovechkin believes a few beers with friends is a fantastic way to come down afterward.

Ovechkin doesn't care who drinks what when they're on their own time, and if they choose not to, that's fine with him. But when the game is over and the Capitals are spending quality time together, the beer is flowing and he believes most players ought to partake.

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Alexander Ovechkin discusses appreciation for beer

Alexander Ovechkin doesn't believe in hiding the beer-drinking habits of the average hockey player. Many adults drink this beverage, and the Washington Capitals star thinks that is even more true in the NHL.

Alexander Ovechkin drinks beer (Imagn)

He personally enjoys the taste of it, he said (per RussianMachineNeverBreaks):

“I don’t hide it. I like the taste of beer. I like light beer, sometimes I can drink Guinness.”

He noted that the Capitals have a fridge specifically for beer, which may not be entirely common across the league. Nevertheless, he added:

“We just like to relax. After hockey, you are tired, a couple of glasses of wine or beer is normal… It relieves tension.”

While drinking might sometimes be out of the ordinary, Ovechkin said that two glasses are "normal" and "nothing special" for him and his teammates.

The player did admit that during training camp, the drinking stopped. That's when everyone's getting into shape, so they can't afford to drink things like that:

“When training starts, you have to give it up. During the preseason, when you are training, getting into shape, trying to lose extra pounds, you try to limit yourself in food and drink.”

That may not work for every player, but Alexander Ovechkin has it under control and enjoys drinking when he can.