This is a funny article.

Alex Ovechkin wears number 8. Cal Ripken wore number 8. In fact, they both do charity work under the “Great 8″ umbrella. They have great respect for one another and have become friends. There are zero issues here. Zero. I know Cal well. We have been friends for a long time. He is a great man and a great philanthropist in his own right. He is the best of the best.

Alex threw out the first pitch at a Baltimore Orioles game last night and took some batting practice tips. He loves baseball events and helping us to expand the game of hockey to all audiences and support our outreach in Baltimore. We play a preseason game as you all know in Baltimore next week.

Isn’t that great? Thank you Alex, the hardest working man in hockey and the hardest working man in show biz.

We are really appreciative to our players for helping us promote the game; the team; and to showcase what terrific people we have in the NHL. The Friday night before camp opens and Alex is in Baltimore helping us to help the game of hockey. He came to camp very early; has been the first one on the ice; and is ripped and in great shape with new equipment. He is ready to go.

The volunteer work for our community that is done by our players and staff is spectacular and I am grateful. This was a fun night for Alex and O’s fans and a “good pitch just a bit outside”.