Photo via Instagram @thfineart
The hockey world witnessed history yesterday as Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin scored his 895th career goal, surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s long-standing NHL record. Adding a local touch to the milestone, Lakefield native Tony Harris, a renowned sports artist, crafted the stunning painting presented to Ovechkin during an on-ice ceremony at UBS Arena in New York.
Harris, who has since moved to Ottawa to hone his artistic talents, depicted the moment with an oil-on-canvas masterpiece measuring 5 feet by 3½ feet. The artwork features Ovechkin hoisting the Stanley Cup, firing one of his signature one-timers, and Gretzky skating in the background in an Edmonton Oilers uniform. Subtle details, like the names of Ovechkin’s family etched into the Cup, the 894 on Gretzky’s glove and 895 on the brim of Ovechkin’s hat, reflect Harris’ meticulous style.
His hockey artwork, including 100 portraits for the NHL’s Centennial in 2017, has become a cherished part of the league’s legacy.
As Ovechkin celebrated breaking the record held by Gretzky, Harris’s artwork bridged the two legends, blending local pride with a global hockey milestone.
(Written by: Scott Arnold)
