Amateur hockey has been a focus of the Washington Capitals since the team’s inception in 1974. Times and needs change, but the Capitals continue to be an active initiator and participant in the youth hockey community. The team’s involvement encompasses education, participation, recognition, awareness and fundraising.

Here is a snapshot of a few of our more popular and current initiatives:

Street Hockey is a great, low-cost introduction into the sport. The Capitals NHL Street program is free for participants and offered to all community centers and rinks in the area. So far we have donated equipment to more than 16 community centers and ice rinks around the area reaching more than 600 kids. Each of those centers also receives a one-hour clinic where kids are taught how to pass and shoot.

Rink Partnership Program includes eight local rinks (D.C., Maryland and Virginia) and 25 or so regional rinks. The Capitals provide jerseys for initiation and learn-to-play programs in a grass-roots effort to expand the game. Caps players visit local rinks and join in practice sessions for hands-on clinics and instruction. Each year through this partnership we connect with approximately 2,400 youth players, and each rink also will have multiple visits from Slapshot, the team mascot.

Mites on Ice is an intermission favorite at Verizon Center. I remember when we would host mites during several games a year. It became so popular and fun that we expanded it to nearly every game. In the course of a season about 1,400 kids enjoy the opportunity to skate on the NHL ice and in front of a cheering crowd.

Continue reading →