Ovechkin called the death of his first coach an irreplaceable loss

On February 13, 2026, Alexander Ovechkin publicly expressed his grief over the death of his first coach, describing it as an irreplaceable loss. The statements were reported by Russian news agencies Interfax and RBC. Ovechkin, a prominent figure in ice hockey, highlighted the significant personal and professional impact of his coach's passing. This event underscores the deep personal connections and mentorship roles that influence athletes' careers.