Alexander Ovechkin signs with IMG

IMG Worldwide, a global sports representation company has signed NHL superstar Alex Ovechkin, for exclusive worldwide management, sponsorship, licensing and marketing representation.

He was drafted first overall in 2004 by the Washington Capitals. He led all 05-06 NHL rookies in goals, points, power-play goals and shots and was named to the NHL First All-Star Team, the first rookie to receive the honor in 15 years. After the season ended he received the Calder Memorial Trophy, awarded to the NHL's best rookie.

Ovechkin, the 24-year-old Washington Capitals left wing, is the most exciting player in the game today. Since bursting onto the scene in 200505, he has taken the NHL by storm, winning the Hart Memorial Trophy for Most Valuable Player for the past two seasons. He has also won the Lester B. Pearson Award for 2008 and 2009, naming him MVP as voted on by his fellow players.

Ovechkin, the son of Mikhail Ovechkin, a former professional soccer player, and Tatiana Ovechkin, a two-time Olympic Gold Medalist with the Soviet basketball team, was born in Moscow in 1985. Ovechkin enjoyed an outstanding Junior career where at age 17 he became the youngest player ever to play and score for the Russian National Team. He was subsequently named Captain of the Junior Russian National team at age 18 and at 19 was named to the Russian National team for the 2004 World Cup of Hockey, the youngest player in the tournament.

"We are very pleased to welcome Alex to the global team at IMG," said David Abrutyn, IMG's Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Global Consulting. "He is clearly one of the world's greatest athletes and one of the NHL's brightest stars. His electrifying play and charismatic personality will make him one of the most sought after athletes for companies and brands to grow their business. We are looking forward to working with Alex and his family, the Capitals and the NHL to build the Ovechkin brand and the game of hockey around the world." "As one of the most exciting players the game of hockey has seen, Alex has captured the imagination of fans around the globe and he is well on his way to establishing himself as one of the world's great sports icons," said Brad Pelletier, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of IMG Canada. "The excitement and personality he brings to the game is not only great for hockey, but also for his personal brand, which we look forward to working with him to grow around the world."