Professional athletes, they’re just like the rest of us. That is according to Alex Ovechkin who recently spoke about the role that drinking beer plays in hockey and how he cracks a few cold ones after coming off the ice.
The revelation came in a recent interview with Russian vlogger and Alex Ovechkin‘s friend, Amiran Sardarov, where Ovi revealed that the Capitals keep a stocked beer fridge in the coach’s office for when they come off the ice. The interview is in Russian so the quotes have been ran through Google Translate but for those that speak Russian that interview can be seen in full here on YouTube.
Speaking with Amiran Sardarov, Alex Ovechkin said “I don’t hide it. I like the taste of beer. I like light beer, sometimes I can drink Guinness.”
He went on to explain “I can’t imagine a (player) who says he doesn’t drink, ‘he quit.’ You can take a break for a certain time, but after the game, 2 to 3 cans of beer – with pleasure. It’s useful. In Washington, we have a refrigerator with beer in the coaching room. It’s normal.” Ovi added “We just like to relax. After hockey, you are tired, a couple of glasses of wine or beer is normal… It relieves tension.”
However, there are times in the NHL season that crackin’ open a few cold ones with the fellas is not encouraged, according to Ovechkin. He said that during preseason training when the athletes are getting into shape for the season they must focus on fitness and health.
Ovi said “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.”
Locker Room beers 🤝 After work beers. Pro athletes, they’re just like the rest of us.
