STOCKHOLM/HELSINKI – The Ice Hockey Federation of Russia confirmed that Alexander Ovechkin will join the Russian national team in Helsinki on Wednesday.

The star forward of the Washington Capitals will play his first game in the quarter-finals on Thursday. The Capitals lost in game 7 of the Stanley Cup playoffs’ first round on Monday night against the New York Rangers.

Ovechkin recently won the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy as the NHL’s best goal scorer for the third time after 2008 and 2009. He was third in points this season with 32 goals and 24 assists. He’s also nominated to the Hart Memorial Trophy for the MVP which he won in 2008 and 2009.

The 27-year-old Moscow native will play his ninth IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship for Russia. He helped Russia win gold in 2008 and 2012 and also played in the last two Olympic Winter Games.

With the addition of Ovechkin, Russia will have a full roster with 22 skaters and three goalkeepers.