Capitals superfan and inspiration to Alex Ovechkin, Alex Luey, passed away Sunday after a three-year battle with cancer.
Luey developed a special bond with Ovechkin over the last two years. in 2017, Luey got to read the Caps' starting lineup. Ovechkin promised him he'd score for him and proceeded to go off for a hat trick.
Ovechkin shared a tweet about Luey on Sunday afternoon.
Our Caps family heartbroken...so sad to hear Alex Luey pass away today. Such a great kid. He inspire me and our team with his strength. My family will pray for him and his mom and dad. Love you bro. I will miss seeing you in Toronto. Rest In Peace. ❤️ #LueyStrong pic.twitter.com/Plb7CXUsEs
— Alex Ovechkin (@ovi8) December 22, 2019
Tom Wilson also shared his condolences.
One of the kindest and bravest kids I’ve had the pleasure of meeting over the years. We will miss you. #LueyStrong pic.twitter.com/MCy7aqB7A7
— Tom Wilson (@tom_wilso) December 22, 2019
Luey was the team's good luck charm when he returned to see his favorite team play in October.
In that game, Ovechkin scored two goals, one of them a game-winner, so the Caps gave Luey the player of the game helmet after a win in Toronto.
Player of the Game Helmet for Alex Luey!
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 30, 2019
Keep up the fight, Alex!!#ALLCAPS | #LEUYSTRONG pic.twitter.com/6q04MzyRew
Luey was 13 years old.
Click here to download the MyTeams App by NBC Sports. Receive comprehensive coverage of your teams and stream Capitals and Wizards games easily from your device.
MORE CAPITALS NEWS:
- Quite a show: Backstrom and Ovi showed out in 900th game
- 900 Games: Backstrom and Ovechkin approaching milestone
- Reduced: Ice time for third line