Russian ice hockey star Alex Ovechkin has pledged to take part in the 2014 Sochi Olympics even if the NHL doesn’t allow the players to participate in the event.

The NHL has yet to announce its stance on the issue, but Alex Ovechkin is sure to take part when Russia hosts the Winter Games. The Washington Capitals powerhouse says he hasn’t thought much about what the NHL will say.

“To be honest I didn’t think about it right now. It doesn’t matter what they’re going to say to me. Of course it means a lot for everybody, for all the Russians. I’ve been in the Olympic Games and I know exactly how it feels to play there. It’s pretty big, biggest event in the world,” the Washington Post quotes the Russian as saying.

On Wednesday it was announced Ovechkin will be one of the torchbearers for the 123-day relay prior to the Olympics.

“I’m very excited. It’s a big thing in Russia and it’s a very good thing,” Ovechkin said. “I’m very proud I’m one of the guys who is going to have a torch. I’m very happy and it means a lot to me,” he stated.

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