Alex Ovechkin Partners with V Foundation to Aid Cancer Research amid NHL Goal Chase

As Washington Capitals star Alexander Ovechkin closes in on Wayne Gretzky's NHL all-time goals record, he recently took on a meaningful cause.

The Capitals announced Wednesday that Ovechkin has partnered with the V Foundation to launch "THE GR8 CHASE for Victory Over Cancer," which will help raise awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research as part of the Hockey Fights Cancer initiative.

At 884 career goals entering Wednesday night's game against the New York Rangers, Ovechkin is 11 goals away from breaking Gretzky's record of 894 goals. In addition to continuing to cement his legacy as the greatest player of his generation, each goal he scores will benefit a great cause.

"From now through the remainder of his career, Alex is personally donating to pediatric cancer research for each goal he scores and his donations will be matched by Monumental Sports & Entertainment!" a press release stated. "100 percent of funds raised go to lifesaving childhood cancer research through the V Foundation and Hockey Fights Cancer."

The initiative has a suggested donation of $8, which pays homage to Ovechkin's jersey number, but fans are encouraged to donate any amount they can afford. The 39-year-old told ESPN's Greg Wyshynski that he wanted to make his chase for Gretzky's record mean something beyond what he accomplished on the ice.

"There is so much attention on the chase, so I'm using that to help. We should all help and make cancer go away," he said. "It doesn't matter where you live, cancer touches everyone. It's important for all of us to talk about finding a cure."

Ovechkin added that the focus on pediatric cancer research has been significant to him for most of his career.

"Our team has been doing a good job my whole career to try and help kids battling cancer. I can see all the times we go to hospitals to visit the kids, or they come to see us at practice or after games, they always have smiles," he said. "If we have a chance to help them, we have to take it."