Alex Ovechkin announces engagement to Maria Kirilenko

Washington Capitals star left winger Alexander Ovechkin is engaged to tennis player Maria Kirilenko, according to a Twitter post by Ovechkin's agent David Abrutyn.

Congratulations to @ovi8 and @mkirilenko on their engagement!!

Abrutyn's announcement was backed up by former WUSA man and current Tennis Channel anchor Brett Haber.

Hey #DC, hearing that @ovi8 is engaged to tennis star @mkirilenko. #LockoutOver #caps

And finally, Ovechkin himself confirmed the news to the world.

We are engaged !!!!!!! )))))))))

The two have been dating since at least November 2011, when Ovechkin outed Kirilenko as his "queen" on his Twitter account. The 25-year-old Kirilenko, who previously dated fellow Russian tennis pro Igor Andreev, had a very good 2012, making the Wimbledon singles quarterfinals, the doubles final at Roland Garros with partner Nadia Petrova. The two also teamed up to win a bronze medal in women's doubles at the 2012 Olympic tennis tournament, also held at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. Naturally, Ovechkin spent most of his summer cheering Kirilenko on.

We wish Ovi and Maria the very best, and now present a fond look back at the Great 8's bachelor days.