Not only is Alex Kovalev leading the Montreal Canadiens to a possible Eastern Conference title, he is helping children with heart ailments off the ice as well. (CP Images)
By Angela Ayles
Alex Kovalev may be one of the most talked-about hockey players in the NHL this season but the road to victory for this Russian native has been long and grueling.
Growing Up
Kovalev was your typical boy, enthusiastic about sports and adamant of achieving a career in the hockey industry. But this driven hockey fan faced more obstacles in the first ten years of his life than most hockey players will face in a lifetime.
Alex was close to his parents growing up. He held their opinions in high regard but he was not willing to compromise his love for hockey in order to please them.
From the moment he was born, Kovalev's dad Slava was shaping his son to become one of the world's most successful weightlifters. Slava insisted that his son follow in his footsteps, but Alex's heart belonged to hockey.
After realizing that his son was set in his ways, Slava began training Alex and started focusing on the possibility of his son becoming one of the greatest hockey players in the history of the game.
A Twisted Turn of Events
At age 8, during a routine medical exam, Alex's doctor discovered he had a heart abnormality. The doctor advised his parents to keep him off the ice. Alex's dreams of becoming a professional hockey player were slowly slipping through his fingers.
The fearless young boy insisted on playing, regardless of the doctor's orders and his parents' plea to stay off the ice.
Dreams Do Come True
Ten years after being diagnosed with a heart defect, Kovalev's dreams were finally becoming reality. In 1991 the determined 18-year-old was drafted in the first round by the New York Rangers. But his hard work and dedication hadn't paid off just yet. Now he had to prove himself worthy of a position in the NHL.
And he did just that.
Kovalev had a lot of victories under his belt after being drafted in 1991. He won gold in the world junior championships, gold in the 1992 Olympics and three gold medals in the world championships, while establishing himself as one of the premier wingers in the NHL.
Then, he hit a slump.
Persevering Through Hard Times
The 2006-2007 season was a tough one for the high profile player. He was booed off ice, criticized for playing poorly and even accused of publicly condemning his coach and the French media.
By the end of the season, many encouraged Kovalev to hang up his jersey and quit playing the game.
But, much like his childhood doctor and his parents, everyone had underestimated Kovalev's dedication to his favorite sport.
The 35-year-old star stepped onto the ice this season with a vengeance.
His 81 points have earned back the respect of his teammates and fans and proven that dedication and persistence are key in achieving success in the National Hockey League.
Kovalev is also proving he can make a difference off the ice. Recently, Kovalev partnered with a Quebec company to produce a training DVD and will donate all proceeds to charities involved with cardiac care for children.
Kovalev has cleared many hurdles through his career. Now he is faced with the challenge of helping the Montreal Canadiens to their 25th Stanley Cup, and first in a decade and a half.
Do you think Kovalev will lead the Canadiens to the ultimate prize in hockey this spring?