Russian hockey player Alexander Ovechkin appeared in a pro-Putin election video ahead of the elections in Russia!

Alexander Ovechkin, the leading scorer in NHL history, has returned to the Washington Capitals to prepare for his 22nd and possibly final season in the North American league, but he is involved in a political controversy. The Russian hockey player, who has scored 929 regular-season goals, appeared in a campaign video for the United Russia party, the party of President Vladimir Putin, ahead of Russia’s parliamentary elections, scheduled for September 18–20.

In the footage, Ovechkin stands behind Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who recites verses referring to unity and confrontation. The appearance sparked reactions on social media, including from former Czech goaltender Dominik Hasek, a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Ovechkin, who is turning 41, has publicly supported Putin in the past and launched the “Putin Team” movement in 2017. The Washington Capitals stated that the player participated in the video at the request of his country while he was in Russia. Ovechkin is expected to make statements on Thursday, at the start of the team’s preparations.