Quantcast
Channel: Maria Kirilenko | RMNB
Viewing all 74 articles
Browse latest View live

Alex Ovechkin’s Parents Don’t Know Why He Needs Seven Cars

0
0

ovi-tennis

Photo credit: rsport.ru

With the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi approaching, Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin has been doing a bunch of Russian-language interviews to promote the games and his sponsors. Over the weekend, Ovi spoke with R-Sport and– after he got in a plug for Gillette and his steely character– he talked about his family, Maria, and his favorite spots in Washington. It’s a good read.

Weird thing: despite being world-class athletes back in the day, Ovechkin’s parents don’t understand why Ovi needs more than one car. Kids these days.

Alexander, your emotional demeanor on the ice are well known. Tell us, are you just as emotional in life?

I think you can say that Alexander Ovechkin on and off the ice are two different persons. Because I have one character when I am on the ice, and completely different in regular life.

How is it different?

Probably more even-tempered, calm, and reasonable.

Can your everyday life emotions affect your game?

Certainly, because all my emotions on the ice reflect the atmosphere I am in, the people around me. A lot depends on the mood.

What allows you to feel confident on the ice and in life?

On the ice – my physicality, and in life, probably my character, a strong inner core. I think there is a good reason we have been working together with Gilette and P&G company for a few years: this brand has a steely character, just like mine. Overall, I am self-confident, because I achieved everything I wanted. Well, of course not everything, it’s just a figure of speech (smiling). But I have become what I wanted to be, and now I have to give the maximum effort to maintain the brand, so to speak, and continue to move in the direction I chose for myself.

Who helps you in a difficult moment?

Of course it’s my parents, my family. Mom and dad – they are the first people I ask for advice, for help. It would be hard for anybody achieve anything without family, and I am no exception. It’s difficult to overestimate my parents’ contribution to my success, they have done everything for me that was needed.

You probably don’t ask your parent for help as much now, do you?

Why? It is not a problem for me to ask my parents for advice. They are more experienced people, they have lived a long life, and they have been in all kinds of situations.

Alexander, we got a chance to talk right between two of your photo shoots. What’s your attitude toward photo-shoots and promotional actions?

I understand that it’s part of our job, that thanks to photoshoots, my face and my name will be known around the world. But it’s important that it doesn’t take too long. When everything happens quickly, it’s more interesting.

How long was your longest photo shoot?

About nine hours. By the end of it, there was no energy, no emotions left. (smiling)

You participated in various promotional actions during your summer in Moscow. What else did you do during your break?

Whatever everybody else does when on vacation: hanging out, going with friends to the restaurants and movies.

Night clubs?

(Smiling) If in moderation, why not? Met my classmates at the end of August.

How long do you usually stay in Moscow in summer?

About a month, a month and a half.

Your three favorite spots in Moscow?

Dacha, apartment, and one of the restaurants – I don’t have just one favorite.

And in Washington?

Verizon Center, Café Milano, and a soccer field, where we get together with some friends and kick around, just for fun.

How do you spend your days off, when you get them during the NHL season?

On days off I just like to lay down and watch TV. Maybe go with the guys somewhere. In reality, there are very few free days. Last season, shortened because of the lockout, there were only two!

So you have lived in Washington for eight years now. Do you feel like you belong in America?

I do. There are no problems, the kind that I experienced during my first season in Washington. I bought a house, I have met everybody. I know people, they know me. I feel very comfortable in America.

Was it hard at first?

When I just arrived in Washington, I realized right away that here they waited for me, respect me, and want the best for me. It helped a lot. I never regretted that I came specifically to Washington.

Do your parents live in Washington with you? Or do they visit during the season?

They come for a month, a month and a half at a time, and then return to Russia. My father stays here longer, because he really like it here in Washington. I really like it when my parents are with me. Although they grumble at me sometimes because of my interest in cars (smiling).

You already have seven automobiles. How many cars would you like to have?

The more [Ed. Note - There's no "MOAR" in Russian... yet], the better, but in fact my parents already tell me: “Sasha, why do you need so many?”

And how do you answer?

I tell them it is my main hobby, my dream, and there is nothing I can do about it.

What is the most prized part of your collection?

(Laughing) All cars are good, if I single one out – the others will feel offended.

Are there any models of great rarity?

No, all of them are modern. I like powerful cars. Be it an off-road, sedan or coupe – a car must be powerful.

For the last two years, whenever Alexander Ovechkin is talked about, Maria Kirilenko always mentioned. Tell us how you met.

It was quite incidental, at US Open 2011. I walked up to Nadya Petrova during her warmup for the doubles match they played with Masha. Mash and I started talking, we exchanged phone numbers, and that’s how everything started.

How long was it between the first time you met, and the start of your relationship?

For the first month and a half, we were only writing to each other, every day. I can’t even imagine how much was spent on all that texting. (smiling) Then Masha moved in with me, and we started living together.

What makes Maria special for you?

Everything! She is special for me, that’s why I chose her.

Alexander, when is the wedding date already?

(Laughing) For now, it’s undetermined. There is still no date. Wait for our announcement.

You often appear at Kirilenko’s tennis matches. Is she giving you tennis lessons?

I often play against her father, Yuri Kirilenko. Unfortunately, not as frequently this year as last, because I had a broken foot, but in 2012 during every Masha’s tournament that I came to, we played tennis with her dad.

What about Maria herself?

(Laughing) Well, I have no chance there, you understand. That is the same as if she came out against me on a hockey rink. I know all the rules, but as a player – I am mediocre. Even haven’t learned to serve properly yet.


Alex Ovechkin and Dmitry Orlov Spend Day Off Taking Tour of Capitol Building (Photo)

0
0

ovechkin-at-capitol-building

Photo credit: Frank Thorp

Last week, Dmitry Orlov spent his off day surprising a youth hockey team and joining their practice in Laurel. Today, he’s learning some good ol’ fashioned American history, taking a tour of the Capitol building along with his girlfriend Varya, his Russian bro Alex Ovechkin, and Maria Kirilenko.

I’m glad to see Ovi put on his finest sweatpants for the occasion.

Now that Dima is in D.C. — hopefully to stay — he’s been going out and exploring. Last month, Orlov even visited The White House with Varya. Adorbs.

orlov-white-house

Photo credit: @avv91

In Best Day Ever, Caps Fan Watches Hunger Games with Alex Ovechkin

0
0

troy-brouwer

[Editor's Note: Though he's one of the best players in the world, Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin is also a normal guy who likes to take in a movie every now and then. That's how RMNB reader Mahesh P. came to run into him and have a night he'll remember forever. Let's turn it over to Mahesh.]

My brother and I found out that Troy Brouwer would be at Tysons Corner Mall a few Thursdays ago, so we decided to go meet him. We were indeed successful in meeting him and he seemed like a really nice guy. I told him that I really like the way the 2nd line is playing right now and that they are cycling the puck really well, which he agreed with obviously. I also mentioned that I really like when Oates puts Fehr in the top 6. To this, Brouwer said “I agree, I think Fehr is really good because he plays well.” So, I would call that a successful meeting.

As amazing as the night had already been, it did not end there.

My brother and I decided to go to see the new Hunger Games movie in the same mall after meeting Brouwer. We debated whether or not to buy the tickets on our phone before dinner so that we wouldn’t have to stand in line at the box office. For the rest of my life, I will be thankful that we decided not to buy the tickets in advance.

We were in line at the box office to buy the tickets when my brother noticed a group of 4 people in front of us. They were: Dmitry Orlov, his girlfriend, Maria Kirilenko and… Alex Ovechkin!

Yes, I met my hero, the greatest player to ever play the game of hockey, on Thursday night! It took about a minute for my heart to stop beating rapidly and for me to recover from the initial shock of this extraordinary sight. I felt bad to interrupt his night off with his fiance and friends, but I overcame my initial nervousness and plucked up the courage to ask him for a quick photo.

I said, “Sir, Ovi, I’m really sorry, but would you mind taking a quick picture with me?” I half expected him to just ignore me and walk away, but, without hesitating, he said “Sure!” This shows how nice a guy he really is.

ovechkin-movies

Ed. note: Ovi looks thrilled. Also note Orlov ordering tickets behind them.

The night did not end there.

It turned out that Ovi and his group had decided to see the same movie as my brother and I. This was an IMAX theater, in which you have to pick your exact seats at the box office. It turned out that, by chance or destiny, we picked seats in the same row as Ovi’s group! There were just a few empty seats separating me from my idol as we watched the same movie just a few feet apart!

I was happy enough meeting Brouwer, but I could never describe my feelings after meeting Ovi. I am still a little bit in shock, but for the rest of my life, I will be thankful that my brother and I decided not to skip the box office line by buying tickets in advance.

Happy New Year From Alex Ovechkin and Maria Kirilenko (Photo)

Alex Ovechkin and Maria Kirilenko on the Cover of Washington Life Magazine

0
0

ovechkin-maria-kirilenko-washington-life-mag

Photo via Washington Life Magazine Facebook page

This doesn’t bring me the same amount of pure joy as Brooks Laich on the cover of Shy Magazine, but I’m still happy to bring you Alex Ovechkin and his fiancee Maria Kirilenko on the February cover of Washington Life Magazine. There is Sasha, wearing some fancy navy suit with a powder blue dress shirt, and his boo Masha, who is definitely wearing a dress (I’ll never be hired by E!), geeking out for the camera.

For the cover story, the crushin’ Russians spoke with former WUSA Sports Anchor and one-time EITM guy Brett Haber about how they first met, how they manage their relationship despite their travel schedules, and– oh yeah– the Olympics.

My favorite part of the article — which can be read online here — is Maria talking about where she sits at Caps games. Plus an update on her ice skating lessons.

Maria has become a fixture at Capitals games an ardent team supporter. She is a frequent invitee to Leonsis’ owner’s suite, but she prfers to sit in the seats at ice-level with Alex’s family. “When he scores he always looks for me and if I’m not there, he might get worried.”

To further demonstrate her commitment to being a hockey spouse, Maria has begun taking skating lessons from Donna Oates, wife of Caps head coach Adam Oates. Asked how she’s coming along, Kirilenko replies, “not good.”

Pick up yourself a copy of the magazine on news stands now!

ovi-kirilenko

Cover photo first tweeted out by @SergeyKocharov. Thanks to RMNB reader Mark H. for the heads up.

Caps Olympians and Maria Kirilenko Travel to Sochi (Photos)

0
0

ovi-and-friends

Ovi poses with Maria, Artem, and Uncle Pavel. (Photo: @Ovi8)

All five Washington Capital Olympians packed their bags and left for the airport on Sunday. Players were scheduled to catch their NHLPA-arranged flights out of Newark International Airport around noon.

According to Nicklas Backstrom at Saturday’s morning skate, the players would fly directly into Sochi on a ten-hour flight. He was not looking forward to it.

“I’m not even sure it’s going to be exciting the first hour,” Backstrom said on Saturday. “Everyone’s going to be tired. We’ll get as much sleep as we can because when we wake up it will be morning. We need to get into a rhythm right way with [Russian] time.”

On Sunday, Alex Ovechkin, Backstrom, and John Carlson were all spotted by Rich Clune Chere of The Star-Ledger and NJ.com at Newark’s airport.

Ovechkin and Maria Kirilenko also tweeted out some photos. Ovi, wearing Nike everything, posted a picture of himself posing with Maria, Pavel Datsyuk, and Artem Anisimov with the caption, “Going to Sochi! We’ll be in our homeland soon!”

Maria also tweeted out her Sochi ID card.

As well as her and Ovi rubbing their feet together for a pic on the plane.

Alex Ovechkin in Sochi, Day Two: Doing Press, Watching Figure Skating, Wearing Puffy Jacket

0
0

ovi-olympics

Photo: @Ovi8

Alex Ovechkin‘s second full day of the Sochi Olympics was another busy one. Like Monday, Ovi did a whole lot of press, speaking with the media in a press conference with Team Russia. Unlike Monday, he actually got to take in the sights as well, attending some figure skating with fiancee Maria Kirilenko and hobnobbing with other Russian sports royalty.

We’ve got your full recap right here.

ovi-translate

Ovi puts on translating headphones. (Photo: RIA Novosti / Alexander Wilf)

The Russian men’s hockey team gave press time early in the day.

Former Caps beat writer and current NHL.com whiz Corey Masisak was there, getting the cliches straight from the horse’s mouth.

Pumping up the hype to unbearably high levels, Ovechkin restated his intention for the tournament. “I hope we’ll play in the gold medal game,” Ovechkin told sports.ru, as translated by RMNB’s Fedor Fedin. “Our goal is to fight for the gold medals.”

So no surprise there.

Ovechkin then put Sochi in context. “In Turin, I was very young, it was my first big important tournament. In Vancouver, there was a lot of pressure on the whole team, the loss to Canadians was a huge blow.” Is there pressure now? Probably, by the media, but it’s tough to say how we handle it because we’re yet to play a game.”

It’s almost like he’s reading RMNB.

Then someone in the press corps asked a curiously timed question about the willingness of NHL players to participate in the 2018 Olympics to be held in PyeongChang, South Korea. Ovi was surprisingly politic in his response. Linemate Evgeni Malkin was not.

The only real news we got out of the press conference was an affirmation that Pavel Datsyuk should play in the games.

After the event, Ovechkin took this neat pic with Ilya Kovalchuk, Vladislav Tretiak, and Coach Zinetula Bilyaletdinov.

After a wardrobe change, Ovechkin met up with fiancee Maria Kirilenko to attend the pairs short program figure skating at Iceberg Skaring Palace.

Photo: Vladimir Pesnya/RIA Novosti

Russian TV cut to Ovi and Maria in the audience a few times during the broadcast, where they were taking photos for excited fans.

Sasha and Masha were sitting with Yana Rudkovskaya, wife of Evgeni Plushenko, the Russian superstar ice skater whom Ovi had recommended as the country’s flag-bearer. At one point, Ovi even took a selfie with Yana’s camera.

ovi-selfie

Photo: @rudkovskayaofficial

We should expect one more day of Ovi’s Russian vacation before he gets down to business. Russia’s first game is at 7:30 AM on Thursday morning against Slovenia.

Love > Sponsorships: Maria Kirilenko Wears Alex Ovechkin Team Russia Jersey to Games

0
0

maria-at-ovi-game

Photo: @mkirilenko

Since we’re nearing the end of Valentine’s Day, let’s end on something cute, shall we? Thursday, during Russia’s 5-2 win over Slovenia, Alex Ovechkin‘s fiancee, Maria Kirilenko, was watching the game in the stands like normal.

What she was wearing was a bit remarkable though. The day before, the Russian language Sport-Express spoke to Maria and asked her if she’d be wearing an Ovi jersey. She did at Dynamo games. You’d think the answer to this question would be simple, but it’s not when you’re dealing with famous athletes who have big-money equipment deals with even more famous athletic companies.

Will you wear Sbornaya sweater with Ovechkin’s name on it when you are in the stands?

Maria Kirilekno: We have different sponsors [laughs], so I can’t. I’ll be wearing something with a Russian flag, but from my equipment company.

Maria is endorsed by Adidas. Ovi’s endorsed by Nike – the same company that designed the Olympic jerseys.

When Thursday night arrived, however, Masha was shown on Russian TV wearing that very same Ovi Team Russia sweater she said she would not be wearing. Nervously playing with her hair, might I add.

maria-olympics1

maria-olympics3

maria-olympics2

GIFs by nikkiri

So what gives? I do not know. One thing I do know is that love conquers all — even when it applies to sponsorships.

Ovi and Maria: best)))))))

maria-ovi-sponsors

Illustration by @avv91


Maria Kirilenko “Displeased” by Alex Ovechkin and Evgeny Kuznetsov’s Video Shoot in the Car

0
0

maria-driving

A very low-res photo of Angry Maria.

When we last shared a motor vehicle with Alex Ovechkin, he was putting his mobile device in Evgeny Kuznetsov‘s face while the prospect drove them to Verizon Center. While we noted that Ovechkin’s video was funny, it was also, ya know, pretty dangerous.

On Sunday, as Ovechkin’s fiancee Maria Kirilenko drove Ovechkin and Kuznetsov back to their Virginia home, the Russian machine whipped out his iPhone and started recording again. Seeing as the Capitals week-long road trip was finally over and five out of six standings points were earned, it probably seemed like a good time for more funny faces.

Who is the person in the Russia hat? Dmitry Orlov, is that you?

Maria, who is normal, was not amused.

Ovechkin: “Masha, why are you so displeased?”

Kirilenko: “Sasha, you are going to drive now. I am going to pull over, and you are going to drive.”

It’s almost like Maria realizes she is carrying two great hockey players and she should therefore concentrate on the road.

Later, Maria responded by posting an Instagram video of her own. No worries, their love is not on the rocks with no ice.

“Oh my God, how all of you became so interested that I can even be dissatisfied. It’s all nonsense, don’t listen to the rumors, look at what my love gave me.”

Later, Ovechkin took a selfie of himself shirtless (of course) in bed with Kirilenko, with the following caption.

Now she happy with new gift from Los Angeles ))haha good night)))) @mkirilenko87 love,i hope u love me to??;) [sic unbelievable]

Aside from the whole world-famous athletes thing, Ovechkin and Kirilenko’s relationship is pretty banal. Immature guy is immature. Immature guy annoys pretty girl. Immature guy buys pretty girl jewelry. Lovers’ quarrel quashed.

Translations by Igor Kleyner.

Alex Ovechkin and Evgeny Kuznetsov Go to Washington Wizards Game, Meet Gheorghe Muresan, Wale (Photos)

0
0

maria-ovi-kuznetsov

Photo: @a0gr8

His mother Tatyana won two Olympic gold medals in basketball for Team Russia, so Alex Ovechkin has always had a love for the sport. He’s gone to Dynamo basketball games. He’s been featured playing basketball (shirtless, of course) with his friends in his DVD. He’s even shot around with BFF Nicky Backstrom during one of Bruce Boudreau’s press conferences.

On Wednesday night, on his day off, Ovechkin took fiancee Maria Kirilenko and his new best bud in the whole wide world, Evgeny Kuznetsov, to the Wizards/Suns game at Verizon Center.

It appears they had fun.

They met everybody’s favorite giant (sorry, Andre), Gheorghe Mureșan.

ovechkin-kuznetsov-muresan

They took selfies.

Ovechkin chanted a bit, yelling “defense.”

Then Ted Leonsis came over and made Kuzya change seats with him. Somehow, these are significantly better seats.

The Wizards lost, but here’s the gang posing with Uncle Ted and rapper Wale.

Finally, here’s an outtake photo from Zach Leonsis.

What have we learned? When Ovechkin and Kuznetsov hang out together, they can make anything more interesting — even a Wizards loss. They need a reality TV show or something.

Alex Ovechkin Helps Pick Miss Moscow 2014, Explains Why He’s Around Maria Kirilenko Less

0
0

ovi-judge-miss-moscow

Photo: ITAR-TASS

On Thursday night, Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin returned to the spotlight for the first time since he accepted his fourth Rocket Richard Trophy in Las Vegas. The re-emergence was for good reason.

Ovechkin was the head judge of Miss Moscow 2014. (Hall of famer Pavel Bure was on the panel too.)

“In my opinion everything went very well, very lovely,” Ovechkin said to TV reporter Ivan Obydenkov. “For us, the judges on the panel, it was one hundred percent clear who the winner was.”

The winner, 18-year-old ballet dancer Irina Alekseeva, is an art student from the Moscow College of Fine Arts.

Twenty-eight girls took part in the show. Each one performed two dance numbers and then competed in swimsuit, talent, and evening gown competitions.

Alekseeva ran away with the competition after a stunning ballet number during the talent portion of the contest.

Aw man, Ovi’s so impressed.

“I think there are no questions,” Ovechkin said afterwards. “The young lady did everything properly. She did everything right in her solo number. She chose the correct dress and everything else.”

Later, Ovechkin did another interview with kp.ru. He was asked why Maria Kirilenko did not accompany him to the competition.

“She’s at home,” he said. “She’s preparing for her [tennis] tournaments.”

Ovechkin was then asked why he didn’t accompany her to Wimbledon, like he has in years past.

“There were problems with visa,” Ovechkin began, before pausing and ending the interview. “You are done with your questions.”

Last year, as you’ll recall, Ovechkin was barred from using the Wimbledon gym. He also has a relationship with several Russian leaders who are being sanctioned due to Russia’s actions in Crimea.

Video

Translation by Igor Kleyner.

Alex Ovechkin and Maria Kirilenko Break Up, End Engagement

0
0

Alex Ovechkin and Maria Kirilenko are engaged

Ovechkin and Kirilenko after they got engaged. (Photo: @Ovi8)

This morning, R-Sport announced that Alex Ovechkin and Maria Kirilenko have parted ways and ended their engagement. Kirilenko gave an official statement and retweeted R-Sport’s article on Twitter around 10:30 AM.

“I have made a decision to break up our engagement. There are a lot of reasons, but I wouldn’t want to go in detail. I’ll say just that our relationship is over, but I respect Sasha as a person and an athlete and sincerely wish him athletic success in the future.

“I’m currently concentrating on preparing for my tennis tournaments and I hope that soon I’ll be able to please my fans with news about my success as an athlete and not just in my personal life.”

Over the summer, Ovechkin and Kirilenko were not spotted together much. Instead of carrying her bags at Wimbledon like in past years, Ovechkin went to Las Vegas for a week-long trip before the NHL Awards. A few weeks ago, he was the head judge at Miss Moscow 2014 before he traveled to France for some beach time with friends.

Ovechkin and Kirilenko met at the US Open in New York. The cute couple dated for three years and got engaged January 1, 2013.

Translation by RMNB’s Fedor Fedin.

Maria Kirilenko Didn’t Break Up With Alex Ovechkin Because of an Instagram Photo

0
0

On Monday, Maria Kirilenko announced through R-Sport that she and Alex Ovechkin were dunzo. “There are a lot of reasons, but I wouldn’t want to go in detail,” Kirilenko said, as translated by Fedor Fedin. “I’ll say just that our relationship is over, but I respect Sasha as a person and an athlete and sincerely wish him athletic success in the future.”

Without sharing those details, the gossip hounds turned to speculation.

Case in point: Ovechkin, who is currently vacationing on a French beach, posed in photos that got published on the internet. One person in those photos was gymnast Karolina Sevastyanova. Sevastyanova was scrutinized in particular for a) being a woman, and b) being near Alex in those photos.

R-Sport, who first broke the break-up news (say that three times fast), later published a nonsensical story, which later got translated by Sport Illustrated’s Allan Muir. That article, entitled Alex Ovechkin dumped by Maria Kirilenko over Instagram photo, was shared widely across social media. Despite the fact that Kirilenko and Ovechkin hadn’t been seen together in weeks, the article made it seem as if the pictures were the scandal that split the couple up.

On Tuesday, Kirilenko shot back in an interview with Sovetsky Sport’s Nikolay Mysin, calling those reports “laughable.” “I made my decision to break up the engagement long before these pictures appeared on the social networks,” Kirilenko said, as translated by RMNB’s Igor Kleyner.

Kirilenko added, “it is not a secret for anybody that Sasha has certain habits and particulars of behavior that I did not consider worth tolerating anymore.”

Her full comments are below.

Maria, can you comment on the story about the pictures with Sasha and [gymnast Karolina Sevastyanova] on social networks, which are being so vigorously discussed in the media?

Maria Kirilenko: Believe me, over the years I have seen so many pictures of Sasha in the company of young ladies, that I have gotten used to it. That is normal. We are public figures, and people often want to take pictures with us. This is the first time I heard about this girl, and I made my decision to break up the engagement long before these pictures appeared on the social networks. It is laughable to point to them as the main reason behind the breakup – after three years together couples do not break up over a couple of pictures. There are much more significant reasons. I will not go into any more details about them. But let’s just say it is not a secret for anybody that Sasha has certain habits and particulars of behavior that I did not consider worth tolerating anymore.

Everybody was a bit surprised when they didn’t see Alexander Ovechkin next to you during the French Open and Wimbledon.

Maria Kirilenko: Why? Sasha has his own schedule. He needed to be present at the NHL Awards ceremony in Las Vegas because he was the top goal scorer of the season again. Also, they won the Worlds recently… Obviously, he was in high demand and we cannot be together all the time.

It’s just that everybody got accustomed to seeing Ovechkin accompany you to the tournaments during the offseason.

Maria Kirilenko: Well, you’ll need to lose that habit then. Because, secondly, Sasha and I are no longer together. That was my decision – to break off our engagement. I do not want to go into specifics, although there are a lot of reasons. I’ll just tell you – I continue to respect him as a person and wish him to continue with his achievements. And I need to focus on my own career.

Alex Ovechkin Reveals on Instagram He’s Dating Russian Model, Socialite Nastya Shubskaya

0
0

alex-ovechkin-anastasiya-shubskaya

Photo: @aleksandrovechkinofficial

244 days after his engagement to Russian tennis player Maria Kirilenko ended, Alex Ovechkin is dating again. At 4 AM on Sunday morning, Ovechkin posted a photo of himself with Nastya Shubskaya. The caption in Russian reads:

Моя девочка,спасибо что ты появилась в моей жизни !!!очень дорожу тобой❤️

According to Igor Kleyner, it says in English, “My girl, thank you for appearing in my life!!! I cherish you so much❤️”

O rly?

This is the second time in a month Ovechkin has posted a photo with Shubskaya. The previous photo was cropped and included a caption with three emojis. They were all those smiley faces with hearts as eyes, so you know this is super serious.

So who is Shubskaya? After some research, we found out that she is the daughter of a somewhat famous Soviet/Russian movie star, Vera Glagoleva. Glagoleva’s IMDb page shows she’s a veteran of 33 Russian acting roles and has directed five films. She has two other children, Anna and Rodion, from a previous marriage.

Shubskaya’s father Kirill Shubskiy is also a well-known entrepreneur in the shipbuilding industry. The couple gave birth to Shubskaya in 1993 while in Switzerland.

Here is a photo of the whole family together, taken a few months ago.

(Fun fact: this photo was taken at the same restaurant where Ovi took Adam Oates in 2014 when the coach visited Russia.)

Before meeting Ovi, Shubskaya was dating Artem Bolshakov, a Russian residing in New York. Shubskaya graduated from the Gerasimov Institute of Cinematography last summer. She’s been in a few Russian movies, one of which was produced by her mother, but nothing since 2008. In the April 2014 Russian edition of Elle Magazine, Shubskaya was named one of the top-ten most eligible bachelorettes in Russia. In the article, Elle referred to Shubskaya, who goes to high society parties, as an aspiring socialite. She also models. Via her Instagram page:

Since splitting up with Ovechkin, Maria Kirilenko got married to Alexei Stepanov, a bureaucrat who formerly sat on the Moscow Committee for Government Services. The couple is expecting their first child this spring.

Additional reporting by Igor Kleyner.

Alex Ovechkin and Maria Kirilenko on the Cover of Washington Life Magazine

0
0

ovechkin-maria-kirilenko-washington-life-mag

Photo via Washington Life Magazine Facebook page

This doesn’t bring me the same amount of pure joy as Brooks Laich on the cover of Shy Magazine, but I’m still happy to bring you Alex Ovechkin and his fiancee Maria Kirilenko on the February cover of Washington Life Magazine. There is Sasha, wearing some fancy navy suit with a powder blue dress shirt, and his boo Masha, who is definitely wearing a dress (I’ll never be hired by E!), geeking out for the camera.

For the cover story, the crushin’ Russians spoke with former WUSA Sports Anchor and one-time EITM guy Brett Haber about how they first met, how they manage their relationship despite their travel schedules, and– oh yeah– the Olympics.

My favorite part of the article — which can be read online here — is Maria talking about where she sits at Caps games. Plus an update on her ice skating lessons.

Maria has become a fixture at Capitals games an ardent team supporter. She is a frequent invitee to Leonsis’ owner’s suite, but she prfers to sit in the seats at ice-level with Alex’s family. “When he scores he always looks for me and if I’m not there, he might get worried.”

To further demonstrate her commitment to being a hockey spouse, Maria has begun taking skating lessons from Donna Oates, wife of Caps head coach Adam Oates. Asked how she’s coming along, Kirilenko replies, “not good.”

Pick up yourself a copy of the magazine on news stands now!

ovi-kirilenko

Cover photo first tweeted out by @SergeyKocharov. Thanks to RMNB reader Mark H. for the heads up.

The post Alex Ovechkin and Maria Kirilenko on the Cover of Washington Life Magazine appeared first on Russian Machine Never Breaks.


Caps Olympians and Maria Kirilenko Travel to Sochi (Photos)

0
0

ovi-and-friends

Ovi poses with Maria, Artem, and Uncle Pavel. (Photo: @Ovi8)

All five Washington Capital Olympians packed their bags and left for the airport on Sunday. Players were scheduled to catch their NHLPA-arranged flights out of Newark International Airport around noon.

According to Nicklas Backstrom at Saturday’s morning skate, the players would fly directly into Sochi on a ten-hour flight. He was not looking forward to it.

“I’m not even sure it’s going to be exciting the first hour,” Backstrom said on Saturday. “Everyone’s going to be tired. We’ll get as much sleep as we can because when we wake up it will be morning. We need to get into a rhythm right way with [Russian] time.”

On Sunday, Alex Ovechkin, Backstrom, and John Carlson were all spotted by Rich Clune Chere of The Star-Ledger and NJ.com at Newark’s airport.

Ovechkin and Maria Kirilenko also tweeted out some photos. Ovi, wearing Nike everything, posted a picture of himself posing with Maria, Pavel Datsyuk, and Artem Anisimov with the caption, “Going to Sochi! We’ll be in our homeland soon!”

Maria also tweeted out her Sochi ID card.

As well as her and Ovi rubbing their feet together for a pic on the plane.

The post Caps Olympians and Maria Kirilenko Travel to Sochi (Photos) appeared first on Russian Machine Never Breaks.

Alex Ovechkin in Sochi, Day Two: Doing Press, Watching Figure Skating, Wearing Puffy Jacket

0
0

ovi-olympics

Photo: @Ovi8

Alex Ovechkin‘s second full day of the Sochi Olympics was another busy one. Like Monday, Ovi did a whole lot of press, speaking with the media in a press conference with Team Russia. Unlike Monday, he actually got to take in the sights as well, attending some figure skating with fiancee Maria Kirilenko and hobnobbing with other Russian sports royalty.

We’ve got your full recap right here.

ovi-translate

Ovi puts on translating headphones. (Photo: RIA Novosti / Alexander Wilf)

The Russian men’s hockey team gave press time early in the day.

Former Caps beat writer and current NHL.com whiz Corey Masisak was there, getting the cliches straight from the horse’s mouth.

Pumping up the hype to unbearably high levels, Ovechkin restated his intention for the tournament. “I hope we’ll play in the gold medal game,” Ovechkin told sports.ru, as translated by RMNB’s Fedor Fedin. “Our goal is to fight for the gold medals.”

So no surprise there.

Ovechkin then put Sochi in context. “In Turin, I was very young, it was my first big important tournament. In Vancouver, there was a lot of pressure on the whole team, the loss to Canadians was a huge blow.” Is there pressure now? Probably, by the media, but it’s tough to say how we handle it because we’re yet to play a game.”

It’s almost like he’s reading RMNB.

Then someone in the press corps asked a curiously timed question about the willingness of NHL players to participate in the 2018 Olympics to be held in PyeongChang, South Korea. Ovi was surprisingly politic in his response. Linemate Evgeni Malkin was not.

The only real news we got out of the press conference was an affirmation that Pavel Datsyuk should play in the games.

After the event, Ovechkin took this neat pic with Ilya Kovalchuk, Vladislav Tretiak, and Coach Zinetula Bilyaletdinov.

After a wardrobe change, Ovechkin met up with fiancee Maria Kirilenko to attend the pairs short program figure skating at Iceberg Skaring Palace.

Photo: Vladimir Pesnya/RIA Novosti

Russian TV cut to Ovi and Maria in the audience a few times during the broadcast, where they were taking photos for excited fans.

Sasha and Masha were sitting with Yana Rudkovskaya, wife of Evgeni Plushenko, the Russian superstar ice skater whom Ovi had recommended as the country’s flag-bearer. At one point, Ovi even took a selfie with Yana’s camera.

ovi-selfie

Photo: @rudkovskayaofficial

We should expect one more day of Ovi’s Russian vacation before he gets down to business. Russia’s first game is at 7:30 AM on Thursday morning against Slovenia.

The post Alex Ovechkin in Sochi, Day Two: Doing Press, Watching Figure Skating, Wearing Puffy Jacket appeared first on Russian Machine Never Breaks.

Love > Sponsorships: Maria Kirilenko Wears Alex Ovechkin Team Russia Jersey to Games

0
0

maria-at-ovi-game

Photo: @mkirilenko

Since we’re nearing the end of Valentine’s Day, let’s end on something cute, shall we? Thursday, during Russia’s 5-2 win over Slovenia, Alex Ovechkin‘s fiancee, Maria Kirilenko, was watching the game in the stands like normal.

What she was wearing was a bit remarkable though. The day before, the Russian language Sport-Express spoke to Maria and asked her if she’d be wearing an Ovi jersey. She did at Dynamo games. You’d think the answer to this question would be simple, but it’s not when you’re dealing with famous athletes who have big-money equipment deals with even more famous athletic companies.

Will you wear Sbornaya sweater with Ovechkin’s name on it when you are in the stands?

Maria Kirilekno: We have different sponsors [laughs], so I can’t. I’ll be wearing something with a Russian flag, but from my equipment company.

Maria is endorsed by Adidas. Ovi’s endorsed by Nike – the same company that designed the Olympic jerseys.

When Thursday night arrived, however, Masha was shown on Russian TV wearing that very same Ovi Team Russia sweater she said she would not be wearing. Nervously playing with her hair, might I add.

maria-olympics1

maria-olympics3

maria-olympics2

GIFs by nikkiri

So what gives? I do not know. One thing I do know is that love conquers all — even when it applies to sponsorships.

Ovi and Maria: best)))))))

maria-ovi-sponsors

Illustration by @avv91

The post Love > Sponsorships: Maria Kirilenko Wears Alex Ovechkin Team Russia Jersey to Games appeared first on Russian Machine Never Breaks.

Maria Kirilenko “Displeased” by Alex Ovechkin and Evgeny Kuznetsov’s Video Shoot in the Car

0
0

maria-driving

A very low-res photo of Angry Maria.

When we last shared a motor vehicle with Alex Ovechkin, he was putting his mobile device in Evgeny Kuznetsov‘s face while the prospect drove them to Verizon Center. While we noted that Ovechkin’s video was funny, it was also, ya know, pretty dangerous.

On Sunday, as Ovechkin’s fiancee Maria Kirilenko drove Ovechkin and Kuznetsov back to their Virginia home, the Russian machine whipped out his iPhone and started recording again. Seeing as the Capitals week-long road trip was finally over and five out of six standings points were earned, it probably seemed like a good time for more funny faces.

Who is the person in the Russia hat? Dmitry Orlov, is that you?

Maria, who is normal, was not amused.

Ovechkin: “Masha, why are you so displeased?”

Kirilenko: “Sasha, you are going to drive now. I am going to pull over, and you are going to drive.”

It’s almost like Maria realizes she is carrying two great hockey players and she should therefore concentrate on the road.

Later, Maria responded by posting an Instagram video of her own. No worries, their love is not on the rocks with no ice.

“Oh my God, how all of you became so interested that I can even be dissatisfied. It’s all nonsense, don’t listen to the rumors, look at what my love gave me.”

Later, Ovechkin took a selfie of himself shirtless (of course) in bed with Kirilenko, with the following caption.

Now she happy with new gift from Los Angeles ))haha good night)))) @mkirilenko87 love,i hope u love me to??;) [sic unbelievable]

Aside from the whole world-famous athletes thing, Ovechkin and Kirilenko’s relationship is pretty banal. Immature guy is immature. Immature guy annoys pretty girl. Immature guy buys pretty girl jewelry. Lovers’ quarrel quashed.

Translations by Igor Kleyner.

The post Maria Kirilenko “Displeased” by Alex Ovechkin and Evgeny Kuznetsov’s Video Shoot in the Car appeared first on Russian Machine Never Breaks.

Alex Ovechkin and Evgeny Kuznetsov Go to Washington Wizards Game, Meet Gheorghe Muresan, Wale (Photos)

0
0

maria-ovi-kuznetsov

Photo: @a0gr8

His mother Tatyana won two Olympic gold medals in basketball for Team Russia, so Alex Ovechkin has always had a love for the sport. He’s gone to Dynamo basketball games. He’s been featured playing basketball (shirtless, of course) with his friends in his DVD. He’s even shot around with BFF Nicky Backstrom during one of Bruce Boudreau’s press conferences.

On Wednesday night, on his day off, Ovechkin took fiancee Maria Kirilenko and his new best bud in the whole wide world, Evgeny Kuznetsov, to the Wizards/Suns game at Verizon Center.

It appears they had fun.

They met everybody’s favorite giant (sorry, Andre), Gheorghe Mureșan.

ovechkin-kuznetsov-muresan

They took selfies.

Ovechkin chanted a bit, yelling “defense.”

Then Ted Leonsis came over and made Kuzya change seats with him. Somehow, these are significantly better seats.

The Wizards lost, but here’s the gang posing with Uncle Ted and rapper Wale.

Finally, here’s an outtake photo from Zach Leonsis.

What have we learned? When Ovechkin and Kuznetsov hang out together, they can make anything more interesting — even a Wizards loss. They need a reality TV show or something.

The post Alex Ovechkin and Evgeny Kuznetsov Go to Washington Wizards Game, Meet Gheorghe Muresan, Wale (Photos) appeared first on Russian Machine Never Breaks.

Viewing all 74 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images