IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Capitals T.J. Oshie offers emotional tribute to dad with Alzheimer's after Stanley Cup win

The Caps winger fought back tears while talking about sharing the dream moment with his father and former coach, Tim.
/ Source: TODAY

The father of Washington Capitals right wing T.J. Oshie struggles with his memory due to Alzheimer's disease, so his son did his best to give him a night the two of them will never forget.

Oshie hoisted the Stanley Cup for the first time in his 10-year career on Thursday, and then he found his father and wrapped him in a tearful hug amid the raucous celebration.

"My dad, he doesn't remember a lot of stuff these days,'' Oshie, 31, told NBC Sports as he choked back tears. "But ... this one will stick with him forever, you can guarantee that."

The Capitals' 4-3 win over the Las Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday secured the first Stanley Cup title in team history. The team joined the NHL in 1974.

Tim Oshie, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2012 when he was 50, coached one of T.J.'s youth teams and also moved with his son from Washington to Minnesota during his high school career after a divorce, according to ESPN.

The elder Oshie was able to watch his boy achieve a dream the two have had together since he began skating at 3 years old.

"To have him here is amazing," Oshie told a group of reporters. "He doesn’t travel very well. I’ve been trying to find a good way to get home out all playoffs. It was kind of the perfect storm to get him in with my aunt and sister from Seattle."

T.J. put winning the Cup in his top four moments along with his wedding and the birth of his two daughters.

Getting to share it with Tim made it a night his family will never forget.

"You bet your ass he's gonna remember this one,'' Oshie told Canada's Sportsnet.

Follow TODAY.com writer Scott Stump on Twitter.