Both the Washington Capitals organization and Alex Ovechkin are taking the time to mark the loss of 15-year-old cancer patient Alex Luey.
"Our Caps family heartbroken," Ovechkin posted on Twitter. "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."
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Capitals forward Tom Wilson also offered his condolences on Twitter, writing, "One of the kindest and bravest kids I've had the pleasure of meeting over the years. We will miss you."
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Ovechkin first met Luey after Sportsnet held its "Rogers Hometown Hockey" telecast in Niagara Falls in October of 2017. Ovechkin invited Luey to meet the Capitals at their game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Air Canada Centre in November of the same year. After promising to score a goal for Luey, Ovechkin had a hat trick in a 4-2 victory. Ovechkin also scored goals in two other games Luey attended that season and invited him and his family to Washington for the Capitals parade after they won the Stanley Cup in 2018.
"I always hoped they would win the Stanley Cup," Luey said that day. "Never thought I'd be here at the parade."
Luey's father, Scott Luey announced the sad news on Twitter Sunday
"Early this morning our son Alex's 3-year battle with cancer ended when he passed away in his sleep at the hospital," Scott Luey tweeted. "Alex battled bravely and touched many lives during his life."
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Luey was just 15 years old but demonstrated a maturity and courage beyond his years since being diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer that caused him to have his right leg amputated, in September 2016. He was declared cancer free in 2017, but the cancer returned last year.
Our sincere condolences to the Luey family and the Washington Capitals organization.
