Alex Ovechkin will be the first Russian torch bearer for the 2014 Olympics

The Olympic torch makes its way from Greece and goes around the world, before it stops at the Olympic stadium to light the main cauldron during the two weeks of the event. A hockey player has been chosen to be the first person from the host nation to take it on its journey to Sochi, Russia for 2014.

Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin will be the first Russian Torchbearer for the Sochi games. He will carry it shortly after its ignited at a ceremony in Olympia, Greece on Sept. 29.

"I'm extremely humbled and honored to be the first Russian to carry the Olympic Torch," said Ovechkin. "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and something I will never forget. I would like to thank the Washington Capitals organization and all of my teammates for their support in enabling me to travel to Greece prior to the regular season."

While it has been suggested that Ovechkin may miss the start of the NHL season due to his opportunity to carry the torch, however, the Capitals have laid out his schedule and it appears he'll be back by Sept. 30. He will head to Greece on Sept. 27 following Capitals pre-season game against Philadelphia, and be available to the media again on the 30th, one day before Washington opens the season in Chicago against the Blackhawks.

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