Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal record in jeopardy from this Capitals star who is also raising millions for cancer research

There will likely never be a professional hockey player as prolific and revered as Wayne Gretzky.

As the saying goes, Gretzky is the GOAT.

But now Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal record is in jeopardy from this Capitals star who is also raising millions for cancer research.

Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin is quickly closing in on Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals record. 

11 goals away from becoming the NHL’s all-time goal scorer

In fact, Ovechkin only needs 11 more goals to surpass Gretzky in total goals scored.

And Ovechkin is also making news for another effort in addition to his pursuit of NHL immortality.

The long-time Capitals star is also actively raising money to benefit pediatric cancer research.

According to a recent Capitals press release, Ovechkin has partnered with Hockey Fights Cancer and the V Foundation to launch the “THE GR8 CHASE for Victory Over Cancer.”

Starting with last Wednesday’s game against the New York Rangers, Ovechkin plans to donate a dollar amount equal to his career goal total for every goal he scores for the rest of his professional career. 

And on top of that, Monumental Sports & Entertainment, the owner of the Washington Capitals, are planning to match every one of Ovechkin’s donations.

But Ovechkin is doing even more than just donating his money to the cause.

He has also asked his fans to join him in this fundraising effort to fight cancer. 

He is urging fans to donate $8 in honor of his number 8 jersey. 

According to the Capitals, 100% of the donations made will benefit pediatric cancer research through the V Foundation.

Doing anything he can to help kids with cancer

“I’m proud to join the V Foundation and support their efforts to fund lifesaving cancer research,” Ovechkin said. “Throughout my NHL career, I have met many brave kids battling cancer, and I feel it’s important to do what I can to help save more lives from this horrible disease. I want to thank the V Foundation for all their hard work, and I look forward to using my platform and doing anything I can to help further the V Foundation and Hockey Fights Cancer’s mission.”

The V Foundations was founded in 1993 to honor Jim Valvano, a legendary N.C. State men’s basketball coach that passed away after a valiant fight with cancer. 

The V Foundations has raised an estimated $400 million for cancer research since its founding.

Ovechkin has scored 884 goals throughout his prolific 20 NHL seasons.

And surprisingly in this day and age of team jumping by athletes, all of those goals have come as a member of the Capitals. 

The Capitals star already has 31 goals this year, and he’s on pace to break Gretzky’s all-time goals record before the end of the regular season on April 25. 

Ovechkin is now only 11 goals from breaking Gretzky’s record with 21 regular-season games remaining on the Capitals’ schedule.

At his current average of one goal scored per game, Ovechkin should have no problem hitting the record before the playoffs begin.

Read All About It will keep you up-to-date on any developments to this ongoing story.