Tonight as the Washington Capitals came into Pittsburgh to face off against the Penguins, we got a pretty special moment. Ivan Miroshnichenko on February 4th of 2022, while playing in Russia’s second division, received the diagnosis that he had Hodgkin’s lymphoma. February 4th happens to be his birthday. Cancer, at 18. After receiving treatment in Germany, losing 30 pounds and having to be away from family for 4 months, he was then drafted just weeks later by the Washington Capitals in the 2022 Draft. What is neat, is that during that time in Germany, he received a special call from an NHL legend, Mario Lemieux. Lemieux himself, battled Hodgkin’s Lymphoma during his infamous 92/93 season. A season where he was still won the art ross as the NHLs leading scorer with 160 points in 60 games.
Lemieux’s message to Miroshnichenko?
“Life doesn’t end. You’re going to recover. Don’t worry about it. Get it out of your head and go through recovery.”
Pretty strong words
After recently tearing it up with the Hershey Bears this season, he finally got his opportunity just weeks ago. He was coming to the NHL.
Again, it was Lemieux who had reached out to Ivan nearly 2 years ago and so tonight, as the Capitals came into Pittsburgh, it was only fitting he would complete the circle against the Penguins and score his first career NHL goal! As for the game, on a day us Pens fans lost Jake Guentzel to a trade, it actually got even worse. They got absolutely obliterated by the Capitals with Ovechkin scoring goal 840. He’s now just 55 away from Wayne Gretzky’s record! I cover it all in todays NHL hockey video!
#NHL #highlights #hockey #washingtoncapitals #pittsburghpenguins
35 Comments
first
great coverage of this. love your videos
Ovi is GOAT. Not in points, yet, or goals , yet, but in heart.
What a story, what a character! All the best to Miroshnichenko from an Avs and hockey in general fan!
You can't convince me there aren't greater forces at work here when stuff like this happens. Really cool story.
Just like Phil Kessel
You do such a great job with these. Including the Mario connection and everything. Great work
I was reminiscing about the 92-93 season recently. So much hockey history in one season, but Lemieux winning the Art Ross that year despite missing 24 games for radiation therapy is an all-time achievement in sport.
As a Pens fan to a Pens fan, my first dislike to your video. Who gives a shit about Ovi, that dude or Washington after such a game from our team? You disappointed me
i dont get it did he beat cancer or not?
great story! Cancer survivor myself!!
Awesome he played for the bears. A guy at my rink is a legend there (Tookey). He has a lot of stories about it.
Thanks for your videos man! I'm from germany and usually I'm not really able to watch the games during the night. I love your summaries of the night with those extra stories and information. It's much more interesting than watching those NHL game recaps or highlights!
Crosby is in the corner, Malkin is "back-checking" while stationed inside the defensive zone, and Letang playing point… in his own half. It was a bad day for Pittsburgh.
As a pens fan i hate we lost but im extremely happy for the guy, keep it up buddy, all i can say is im pissed off with jarry, he hasnt dont anything good for us yet we traded desmith, and murry like chirst guys, like how is jarry our main goalie when we have our back up who can actually help us
As a pens fan i hate we lost but im extremely happy for the guy, keep it up buddy, all i can say is im pissed off with jarry, he hasnt dont anything good for us yet we traded desmith, and murry like chirst guys, like how is jarry our main goalie when we have our back up who can actually help us
Thanks for the video bud
Мы ценим Вашу работу. 🙏
super mario ftw that man is made of tuff stuff
Good for this kid, that takes real guts. F the Pens right now though.
Wow there was a lot of empty seats.
Wow the nhl is slowly makin it’s way back into my heart
Amazing
I love this video, but gutted for Crosby.
That Karlson face!!!! 😂😂😂😂
Great to see this kid score his first goal, especially in Pittsburgh and even sweeter, in front of one of his other heroes Malkin.Look forward to watching him play many more games for the Caps!
thats a pretty first goal. im a pens fan but his story, Mario's support, and Ovi's reaction were all too heartwarming
Mario Lemieux did the same with a young player in my home town like 25 years ago. He was diagnosed with the same illness .
Great story…the stuff of dreams. Light it up Ivan!
i graduated high school in 92 and mario was and is one of THE BEST to ever lace em up! This story just catapulted him to number 1 for me omfg guys a CLASS ACT AND A GREAT HUMAN BEING, if you see this mr. L…..your the best man thx for all the great memories!
This league is so skilled now that even a goon like Wilson has highlight reel goals. What a beauty. Still hate ya, bud.
Great video. Adding to the "You Absolutely Love to See This" vibe, Tom Wilson said after the game that his grandfather passed away earlier THAT DAY. Really cool to see him score the shorty as I'm sure he was playing with a heavy heart. Cheers.
What a great story! Reason #9,000 why I've loved this sport all my life.
"life doesn't end" Well Mario, you're not off to a great start with your words of wisdom
Hockey players – whats a little radiation treatment and losing 30lbs
Basketball – MY FINGER HAS A BOOBOO