Alex Ovechkin engaged to tennis pro Maria Kirilenko

As it turned out, failing to catch the bouquet at a friend’s wedding in July didn’t damage Maria Kirilenko’s marital prospects.

News of the Russian tennis star’s engagement to NHLer Alex Ovechkin became public on Monday through Ovechkin’s Twitter feed.

Wrote @Ovi8: “We are engaged !!!!!!! ))))))))” He also tweeted a picture of himself and Kirilenko on skates, holding hockey sticks.

You might remember Ovechkin plays for the Washington Capitals ... or used to. Young children might have to be told there was actually something called the NHL and real games once were played.

At least Ovechkin is having a productive lockout, playing in his native Russia and now getting engaged.

Kirilenko, who has been ranked as high as No. 12 in the world, went to the wedding of former player Elena Dementieva and former NHLer Maxim Afinogenov in July and told tennis.com that she wasn’t able to catch the bouquet, getting edged by crafty and speedy Vera Dushevina.

Just wondering who will be the next hockey-tennis couple to get engaged?

Love is in the air. Even if labor peace is not.

ALSO:

Philadelphia Eagles fire Coach Andy Reid

Firings underway as Black Monday arrives in the NFL

Adrian Peterson talks about falling just short of rushing record