NHL star Alexander Ovechkin gets role with 2014 Sochi Olympic Games

Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin, of Russia, holds the Hart Memorial trophy, for the Most Valuable Player to His Team, at the National Hockey League awards in Las Vegas Thursday, June 18 2009. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz

LONDON - Washington Capitals star Alexander Ovechkin, winner of the NHL's most valuable player award the past two seasons, is offering his help to organizers of the first Winter Olympics in his native Russia.

Ovechkin has agreed to serve as an "official ambassador" for the 2014 Sochi Games, organizers said Monday.

Ovechkin led the NHL in goals this season with 56, and became the first repeat winner of the Hart Memorial Trophy as the league's most valuable player since Dominik Hasek in 1997-98.

Ovechkin played for Russia at the 2006 Turin Olympics and is expected to lead the team at next year's Winter Games in Vancouver.

The announcement of his role with Sochi coincided with celebrations marking the two-year anniversary since the Black Sea resort was awarded the Games.