Montreal father-son duo witness history as Ovechkin breaks NHL goal-scoring record 

After scoring his 895th career goal during Sunday’s game against the New York Islanders, Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin became the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer, achieving this milestone in front of a sellout crowd of over 17,000 people.

Among the fans was Montrealer Joshua Miglialo, who experienced his own special moment – surprising his father with tickets to the game so he could witness his hockey hero make history.

“When we got there, I still couldn’t believe it,” said Sabino Miglialo, Joshua’s father. “Until I stepped into the arena, and I thought, ‘This is for real’.”

Sabino has been an avid follower of Ovechkin, nicknamed “The Great 8,” throughout his entire hockey career.

Back in 2018, Sabino was elated when Ovechkin led the Capitals to their first and only Stanley Cup championship.

So, when Joshua told his father that they would be driving from Montreal to Long Island to hopefully see Ovechkin break Wayne Gretzky’s goal-scoring record, it was a dream come true for Sabino.

“I think he was lost for words,” Joshua said. “He couldn’t really believe it when I gave him the tickets.”

Sabino, who was initially skeptical, recalled, “I thought at first it was a joke, but then he proved to me that the tickets were legitimate.”

Joshua had made plans in advance, buying tickets to the April 6th game, unsure of when exactly the record would be broken. To his surprise, Ovechkin tied Gretzky’s record with 894 goals the game before, which made the timing even more special when he revealed the tickets for Sunday’s game.

It was Joshua’s way of thanking his dad, who has always been a pillar of support both on and off the ice.

“Growing up, my dad was always involved with hockey. He coached all my teams, never missed a practice, and never missed a game,” Joshua explained, smiling.

And they didn’t miss Ovechkin making history in his 1,487th career game.

“I find him to be a very exciting player, very passionate about the game,” Sabino said. “He brings such exuberance to the game, especially when he scores.”

“It’s like every goal he scores,” he added. “Now feels like his first.”

This moment, something that won’t be forgotten by hockey fans.

And a moment that’ll be cherished forever for this father-son duo.

“It was thrilling,” said Joshua. “It was electric.”

“It was a piece of history we all knew we were witnessing together.”