Ovechkin's "Heinz 57" Mystery Solved: A Legendary Goal Celebration Explained
You've seen it a thousand times. After a goal, Alex Ovechkin whips off his helmet, raises his arms in victory, and… does a little dance? It's a move that's become iconic, like the "Gretzky Glide" or the "Malkin Magic". But what exactly is Ovechkin doing? Well, it's not just any dance move – it's the "Heinz 57".
What is the "Heinz 57"?
For years, fans have been scratching their heads. Is it a secret handshake? An obscure Russian dance? The answer, like most things in life, is simple: it's a tribute to Heinz ketchup, a brand that Ovechkin is a big fan of.
The "Heinz 57" is a reference to the company's iconic logo – a number 57. During his early days in the NHL, Ovechkin would often celebrate goals by putting his hands up and making a "5" with his fingers on one hand and a "7" on the other. Over time, this evolved into the "Heinz 57" dance, a more elaborate and visually striking celebration.
Why Heinz?
You might be thinking, "Why ketchup? Why Heinz?" Well, Ovechkin simply loves it. He's talked about his love for Heinz on several occasions, mentioning it as his go-to condiment. He even appeared in a commercial for the company.
This simple explanation might feel anticlimactic, but it's the real deal. It's not some hidden code, a secret society handshake, or a tribute to a forgotten Russian folk dance. It's just Ovechkin being Ovechkin, celebrating his love for the game, his team, and his favorite ketchup.
An Iconic Celebration
The "Heinz 57" has become a part of Ovechkin's legacy in the NHL. Fans love it, opponents have to respect it, and the hockey world has embraced it. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most iconic moments come from the simplest places – a bottle of ketchup, a goal celebration, and a hockey player who isn't afraid to be himself.
It's not about the ketchup, it's about the feeling – that feeling of victory, of accomplishment, of pure, unadulterated hockey joy. And Ovechkin, with his "Heinz 57", embodies it perfectly.