Alexander Ovechkin Got A Real Live Sheep For His 30th Birthday

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxYcEEtgOdg

The great Alexander Ovechkin turned 30 years old on Thursday, just in time to report to Washington Capitals preseason training camp to get ready for the new season. The elite offensive winger presumably received the strangest gift he’s ever gotten to celebrate the occasion, as he was presented with a sheep to mark his milestone birthday.

Yes, a real live sheep.

The gift came courtesy of Russian media outlet TV Zvezda in Moscow, who remembered Ovechkin previously saying he wanted a sheep of his own. So they gave him one. In a Russian hockey jersey, nonetheless.

The Caps superstar was introduced to his new pet (or possibly, if you’re the darker type, dinner) as he FaceTimed with the program, and he looked genuinely excited upon seeing his plushy new present. Asked what he would name it, he said “Russia” … because of course. Unfortunately, Russia will have to stay with Ovechkin’s parents in Russia while OV plays out the season stateside.

But arguably the funniest part of this whole exchange is what would later happen when Ovechkin told the American media about the gift after Washington’s first day of camp. It appears some details were lost in translation.

As far as sports stories about sheep go, this one has to be the G.O.A.T.

(Via Eye on Hockey)