Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin on Wednesday announced the passing of his father, Mikhail Ovechkin. He was 71.

The announcement comes one day after the Capitals revealed their captain would be taking a leave from the team to attend to a family matter and the health of a loved one.

“Today I lost my father,” Ovechkin posted to Instagram in Russian, as translated by Google. “I thank everyone for the support, but please be understanding and not disturb my family at such a difficult time for us. Thank you.”

Mikhail Ovechkin played soccer professionally before an injury halted his career. Health issues reportedly prevented the elder Ovechkin from traveling from Russia to North America to see his son play in the NHL in recent years.

The Capitals on Wednesday had yet to comment on when Ovechkin would return to the team. Coach Peter Laviolette, however, said Tuesday that he didn’t see Ovechkin returning to the club “in the foreseeable future.”

“When it comes to your family and parents, that’s what matters,” Laviolette said Tuesday. “He’s going to deal with some things right now, and we’re going to be supportive.”

Ovechkin, 37, has recorded team-leading totals in goals (32) and points (54) in 54 games this season. With 812 career goals, the three-time Hart Trophy winner trails only Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky (894) on the NHL’s career list.

Forward Joe Snively was recalled from Hershey of the American Hockey League on Tuesday. He collected a goal and an assist in Washington’s 3-2 setback to the Carolina Hurricanes.

–Field Level Media