WASHINGTON CAPS FRONT PAGE NEWS ON ONE-WEEK HIATUS

Our children have planned a vacation with us so that for the next week we will be spending time here with them -- will be back blogging on August 3rd. See you then! Sphere: Related Content

BRIAN POTHIER WILL DROP FIRST PUCK AT DAVE FAY MEMORIAL HOCKEY GAME ON SATURDAY

Washington Capitals defenseman Brian Pothier will be on hand to drop the first puck at the third annual Dave Fay Memorial hockey game at 4:30 p.m. this Saturday, July 25th, at Kettler Capitals Iceplex.

Team alum Granny Grant, Yvon Labre, Gord Lane, Gary Rissling and Blair Stewart, as well as Caps radio broadcaster Steve Kolbe, are tapped to play in the game with players across Maryland and Virginia as they battle for Lord Brown's Boot in the charity hockey competiton.

The game, played annually in memory of Washington Times reporter Dave Fay who died from cancer, is open to the public, and there is no admission fee to watch the game. Money raised at the event is donated to NHL's Hockey Fights Cancer program.

Put Cancer On Ice (PCOI) will hold a silent auction of NHL and Capitals items, including a jersey signed by the entire 2008-09 team, an Alex Ovechkin signed collectible and Mike Gartner tribute signed collectibles.

Sponsored in part by The Front Page restaurant and Sports Page deli, together with annual Put Cancer on Ice sponsor Mirant Mid-Atlantic, the event will include Capitals mascot Slapshot who will guest referee the first period -- along with a duel between celebrity guest goalies, Miss Virginia Tara Wheeler and Kolbe. PCOI is a grass-roots organization comprised of Capitals hockey fans who meet monthly for pick-up hockey games in a Maryland vs Virginia format. Sphere: Related Content

CAPITALS RENEW AFFILIATION AGREEMENT WITH SOUTH CAROLINA STINGRAYS

The Washington Capitals have renewed their affiliation agreement with the South Carolina Stingrays of the ECHL for the coming season, announced Capitals vice president and general manager George McPhee today.

“We have a lot of pride in our affiliation with South Carolina, highlighted by the Stringrays’ run to the Kelly Cup this spring” McPhee exclaimed. “It has been an outstanding proving ground for our prospects.”

During the 2008-09 season, seven Capitals prospects spent some time with South Carolina as the Stingrays finished 42-23-6 and captured Kelly Cup as champions of the ECHL.

Goaltender Michal Neuvirth played for South Carolina, Hershey and Washington last season. He began with the Stingrays, earned a spot in the ECHL All-Star Game before being called up by Hershey at the end of December. Two months later he was called up to Washington and went 2-1-0 with a 3.00 goals-against average before heading back to Hershey where he reigned as MVP of the Calder Cup playoffs.

Nine players who have played for South Carolina are currently under contract with Washington – Sean Collins, Stefan Della Rovere, Viktor Dovgan, Josh Godfrey, Andrew Gordon, Patrick McNeill, Neuvirth, Steve Pinizzotto and Kyle Wilson. Among those players, Collins, Gordon and Neuvirth all have appeared at the NHL level with the Capitals.

“We are very excited to be affiliated with the Capitals again next season,” said South Carolina head coach Cail MacLean. “It’s a great situation when you can work with an NHL team that believes in the value of development at the AA level.” Sphere: Related Content

WASHINGTON'S JOE FINLEY MAY HAVE TAKEN 'BOYS WILL BE BOYS' A BIT TOO FAR

Former Capitals first round draft pick (2005) Joe Finley left Development Camp this past weekend and headed to the University of North Dakota where campus police observed him and another man throwing items -- including cups, plates, a kitchen table and a lawnmower -- onto a Grand Forks street, according to Grandforksherald.

Finley, 22, who was formerly a hockey star for the UND and before that Edina High School, and Matt Frattin, 21, were charged with disorderly conduct. Finley was also charged with providing false information to officers. And Frattin was charged with fleeing. All charges, according to Grandforksherald, are misdemeanors.

"It was their own property, so there was nobody's property that was damaged other than their own," explained UND Police Lt. Dan Lund. But the antics apparently did create a real mess.

"There was glass from curb to curb from the dinnerware that they threw," Lund added. The pair apparently threw so many objects from a garage into the street that traffic had to be haulted while a street cleaning crew cleaned the mess up.

Lund said that when Finley was first approached by police, he ran around a house, but stopped when officers instructed to halt. However, Frattin did not stop when asked so was charged with fleeing.

Finley pulled out a credit card with someone else's name on it -- and when asked if his name was on the card, which apparently belonged to a friend, he said that it was his name, Lund said. However, at the jail, Finley provided his own real name.

UND Police Capt. Wayne Onger said that "alcohol was involved", according to the startribune.com And when the pair was asked why they littered the street, Onger said that their explanation was that "they routinely destroy each other's property."

Both men were booked at the Grand Forks County jail and released on cash bond (Finley, $300; Frattin, $600) just before 10 a.m. Tuesday, the Star Tribute reported.

Finley is a 6 ft 7 defenseman who suffered a couple of injuries that found him instead a standout as left wing in the Development Camp's final scrimmage on Saturday. In April he signed a two-year contract with Washington and was then assigned to the Hershey Bears.

Two UND players cited, GrandForksHerald.com

Ex-UND hockey star Finley arrested, accused of trashing street, Star Tribune Sphere: Related Content

BRENT JOHNSON SIGNS WITH THE PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

Washington Capitals goalie Brent Johnson, a free agent, has signed a one-year contract to play with the Pittsburgh Penguins, that team announced this week.

Johnson, 32, played 21 games with the Capitals before a hip injury sidelined him for the season. He finished with a record of 12-6-2, a .908 save percentage and a 2.81 goals-against average.

In Pittsburgh, the 6 ft 3 Johnson is expected to be the backup to Marc-Andre Fleury. Sphere: Related Content

CAPITALS' DEVELOPMENT CAMP ENDS -- HOPEFULS LEAVE WITH TRAINING, EXPERIENCE, NEW FRIENDS AND MEMORIES OF AN "AWESOME EXPERIENCE"

The Washington Capitals Development came to a close on Saturday. It is now wrapped up. The prospects, who gained considerable knowledge and experience, headed off in separate directions, their descriptive stories now memories to be posted in diaries and into development camp annals.

On Saturday the two prospects who were recounting their Development Camp experiences, Braden Holtby and Trevor Bruess, posted their final messages.

In chronological order:
“An excellent camp – a lot of talent here, lots of fun, and we’re all real tired. You can train so much, but it’s not the same. – Braden”
“It sucks to end on a loss but we battle all the way thru. – Trevor Bruess”
“Personally I was dead after 25-30 secs of each shift – I know I’ve got to come back to camp in better shape. – Trevor”
“Now I’m headed to the airport for a flight back to MN. This has been fun – thanks for following. – Trevor”

The final scrimmage saw the White Team win, capturing all three scrimmages.

And then Coach Bruce Boudreau enthused that the camp had not only been a whole lot of fun, but that he was thrilled with the work that he had seen from the about three-dozen hopefuls.
“You can’t overlook the fact that Dubuc got seven goals in three games,” he said, “or eight or whatever it was. It was a lot. Those things stand out. You have to like at the end when the going got tough – John Carlson and Cody Eakin, Bruess and (Dmitri) Orlov, the whole group. Mathieu Perreault looked so much better than he did at this time last year – a lot of good things from a lot of guys. It bodes well for the Capitals’ future.”

Holtby, described as a standout, was interviewed. What did he gain from the week at camp? “Obviously, the experience thing. I even felt more comfortable at this camp than last year. You know, your first one you are kind of nervous and whatnot. You are kind of starstruck – all of the guys and being on the ice with them. This year I’m trying to prove a point an show that I can be at this level. Throughout the rest of summer, it’s going to consist of training. This is when the serious stuff stars – a lot of work with my goalie coach back at Edmonton. And hopefully I’ll come in in the best shape that I can.”

Right wing Francois Bouchard, who spent last season with the Calder Cup winning Hershey Bears, said, “It was a great year for us at Hershey. … I couldn’t ask for a better year. I hope I’m going to do it again next year because it was so much fun.” And what is he planning to work on now? “I just want to be more consistent. I hope I’ll have more ice time next year so that I can play the game more. I’m going to work hard this summer to try to get ready for next September.”

Joe Finley, a 6 ft 7 defenseman, suffered a couple of injuries that found him instead shining as left wing in Saturday’s scrimmage, offered, “Hey, I’ll play goalie if you need me to. I just want to get every opportunity to get on the ice. Any way that I can help the team and get myself to the next level, I’m willing to do it.”

Defenseman John Carlton, touted as a camp standout who will be heading to Team USA camp, said, “I don’t know if I played my best. I didn’t really expect to. I kind of took a little time off after we made the run at Hershey. I’m going to get on the ice a lot more come August. I thought I did well, but I know I can do a lot better.”

And center Cody Eakin summed up what all of the prospects were saying on the final day. “It was nice to get introduced to the organization, to come to Washington where – look at these exhibition games – they completely filled the stands. It’s a great organization, and the trainers are treating us awesomely.”

As to his own camp experience, Eakin said, “It’s a lot of thinking, a lot of concentrating. … They want to see who can take it all in and doesn’t have to be asked twice. You work on things that they ask you, have a little fun and do what you are here for. You meet a lot of guys from everywhere, down south and across the seas. Everyone is in the same position so you become friends real fast.

“You look at some of the older guys, and you want to pick up what they provide. It’s kind of a stepping stone, to base your game and see how it completes against other guys that are older and fighting for the same position. You go in with an open mind and hopefully come out with a lot of things to learn.

“It has been awesome. We have been treated awesomely. Walking through this facility and complex – it is awesome to be in this organization, and I’m enjoying it. You see some of the bigger guys who you see on tv , and for them to be a part of my first training camp is exciting.
As to what Eakin will do now – “I need to work to improve everything because I’ve got to compete at the next level. You want to compete with the guys that are older, bigger, stronger. I’ve learned little things, like don’t over commit, puck control. … You’ve got to get bigger and stronger every day.”

So the young men move on to work on honing their skills – happy for the education and experience, and full of anticipation that someday they’ll be playing at the very top of the game with the Capitals. And, no doubt, there are a few Stanley Cup aspirations included too.

Sphere: Related Content

CAPITALS EXPECT CONVENTION TICKETS TO SELL OUT

The Washington Capitals' popularity has rocketed so high that tickets to their first-ever Capitals Convention have been selling like hotcakes. The tickets went on July 9th -- and within a week more than half were sold, according to a team update.

The Capitals tout the festive Convention as "the best Capitals event ever to hit the D.C. area." An update on the team's website reads, "This event will be the most immersive Capitals and hockey experience ever. You don't want to miss it."

The Convention, which is likely to become an annual event, will be held on Sept. 26th at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, MD.

There will be a full day of activities geared to both adults and children, including interactive sessions for fans and the chance to collect player's autographs. In fact, the number of tickets being sold has been limited to 5,000 because team officials said that they want to guarantee that every fan admitted is able to garner at least two autographs from players.

Team alumni and management will also be there -- along with many of the team's most prominent trophies.

"It's one thing to sell out the event," said Capitals' Tim McDermott, "but it's another to make sure everyone has an awesome experience. We just decided to make sure we put on a first-class event. We'll probably have more demand for tickets than we'll have tickets, but we want to make sure everyone has a great, great time, and maybe next year we'll consider doing it over several days." Sphere: Related Content

CAPS FANS TREATED TO A 'DEVELOPMENT CAMP EXPERIENCE'

Washington Capitals Development Camp hopefuls have throughout this week treated fans to an imaginary journey into the world of prepping for a professional hockey career.

The camp draws to a close on tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon, following intrasquad scrimmage and media interviews. But from the get-go, prospects Trevor Bruess and Braden Holtby have held nothing back in sending Twitter messages allowing fans to get into their heads – to know just what has been happening in camp and even their thoughts and feelings. And their counterparts have likewise been forthcoming in interviews.

Coach Bruce Boudreau has spoken of what Capitals expects from these young players – and of the opportunities open to them. “This year there are probably two or three in the camp that we are looking at that could make an immediate impact,” he said. “Other than that, we’ve got guys who are going to make an impact in the American Hockey League. We want to show them what it takes to be a Capital – this is how hard you have to work to be in the NHL – this is what we expect as an organization.

"And we want them going away saying, ‘Holy smokes! I’ve got to pick it up – saying this is where I want to be. I mean, they’ve got the best facility in the League. They are close to winning the Stanley Cup. This is what I want to see. … John Carlson, who was a first round draft pick last year, has the potential to crack our line-up if things go his way. We’ve got goaltending in Branden Holtby. They are young, but they are all so good. A lot of guys have the ability to open our eyes.”

On Thursday, July 9th, the first Twitter message arrived for fans. Goalie Holtby -- who was a fourth round pick last year and went to Hershey where he practiced with the Bears – wrote, “I’m looking forward to coming and working hard at camp. I’m really excited to meet the guys and see Washington.”

Four days later, the first day of work, Holtby signed again, "Doesn't feel like we’ve been away from hockey long for the guys who were with Hershey. Still, can’t wait to get on the ice.” Then he wrote, “We were supposed to be at the rink at 8:45. I think everybody was here before 8.” Later that day he added, “I was rusty out there. It’s a feeling-out process for most of us on the first day. And the first bag skate always hurts.” And still later, “Today went pretty quick. We didn’t have much time for lunch – then a nutrition talk that made me feel bad about lunch.”



Bruess jumped in, “Braden mentioned the nutritionist – that’ll have us all thinking a little more at team dinner tonight.” And -- “All in all, a good afternoon. Off-ice workouts, they wanted to make sure we had the right form for now and the rest of the summer.” Bruess, a center, signed with Washington as a free agent in March of this year.

On day two of camp, Bruess was back Tweeting at early 6:46 a.m. “Got a good night’s rest and feel good. Our group starts with an upper body workout today. We did lower body yesterday,” he wrote – later adding, “We got the nerves out in the first day. Today was still tough, but better. The drills really let you show what you can do.” And Holtby added, “A good day at the rink. Everything was more crisp and had a better pace. Easier workout this morning too.”

There was a D.C. city tour, and the next morning Holtby checked in with fans again – “Guys were pretty jealous of goalies today – they all had to do skating testing but we didn’t do a thing.”

Thursday, again around 6 a.m., Holtby described breakfast – and Bruess chimed in, “We went to track this morning, worked on proper form for sprinting. Getting in the sun was nice, but it was hot and humid.” And later, “The skate was mostly special teams. We should look like more of a team tonight, we’re getting the systems down.”

So Capitals fans following the young men’s progress got a sense of how things were shaping up in camp. With the expected desire to shine on the ice, though, some fans might have wondered whether these players, so competitive on the ice, could also be friends. That question was frequently posed by reporters, and the response, very convincingly, was always the same – these prospects did play hard on ice, but off the ice they were a great bunch of guys having fun and enjoying getting to know each other.



The 6’ 7” defenseman Joe Finley was actually asked by media to provide a scouting report on Trevor Bruess. It was perhaps his chance to offer a tepid response, but what he did instead was tout Bruess – and describe a budding friendship.

Finley's scouting report on Bruess: “Trevor is a guy who shows up with his hardhat every day and just goes to work. You could see it tonight. He went out there and worked -- worked his tail off -- and ended up getting a nice goal. You know what you are going to get from him every night, and his best attribute is his work ethic. He’s a guy who’s going to compete. You know what you get when he straps his skates on. He’s a great guy to have on your team. And it has been real nice getting to know him on another level off the ice -- and just realize what a humble, genuine kid he is and start developing a good friendship."

Bruess was also asked about his relationship with other players – and he mentioned Finley. “You can compete on the ice really hard,” he said. “Then once you get off, you are back to being men instead of warriors. So it’s totally fine. There’s no hard feelings or anything like that. Actually, all of the guys are really nice. I got to meet Joe Finley personally – he’s actually a great guy, and I like him a lot. We’ve competed a lot against each other … so we talk about that a little bit too, competing against each other. But he’s really a nice guy, and the other guys are super too.”

And then Bruess -- who said that he has work ethic and speed -- was asked about his hit on John Carlson, a first round draft pick who has been a standout at camp. Does it feel good to take down some of the big guys? “It does,” he answered. “It’s a good thing to throw your weight around – it’s like an accomplishment when you knock them on their butt and feel good about yourself. And more importantly, you eliminate them from the play for a little bit so that you have like a short little power play.”

When asked what camp had done for him, Bruess replied, “I was going to work hard anyway, but it gives you something to look forward to. … It has been nice to meet the coaches, the people that manage the team and everyone else in the organization. And it’s nice to meet some of the past players who played here before – and to meet some of the newer guys coming in. And all of the guys are pretty cool – so it’s kind of a cool thing for me to get in and get my feet wet.”

Capitals vice president and general manager George McPhee would likely be happy with Bruess’ remarks. McPhee has said that a primary goal of the camp is to allow the young players to meet everyone in the organization and become comfortable.

The Capitals team genuinely cares about its young players. Winning is the team’s job, but the individual players are not compromised. As an example, McPhee has stressed that the team likes to bring young players along slowly -- not rush them before they are ready. Also, McPhee has said that if players want to finish their college education before playing pro hockey, the team has never discouraged that.

And coach Boudreau has gone so far as to say that these are young guys -- that the team expects and wants them to enjoy themselves and to being young.

The days have flown by -- and the Twitter messages have continued. Fans have not only become acquainted with what it is like to attend hockey camp, but they now also feel a connection with these young hockey Tweeters. “It’s amazing," said one regular follower of Holtby and Bruess' posts, "but I have never met these guys and still feel like I know them. And I like them. I feel more connected to the team -- and now I really care about these two guys."

And becoming acquainted with them has exceeded just playing hockey. The Capitals provided access to an interview of right wing Dmitry Kugryshev. At this time last year, he spoke no English, but we got to root for him as he tried out his new English language skills in an interview – and spoke amazingly well. Kugryshev explained, "Now I can give some interviews.” When he was asked what he thought was the best part of camp, he replied, “I think scrimmage because … it’s like a game. In first scrimmage, I scored first goal of season so that’s pretty cool.” And this very warm and likeable young man was asked how he felt about the fact that Alex Ovechkin, also a native of Russia, was taking an interest in him. “I think it feels unbelievable,” he said – and then predicted that Ovi will play even better hockey this next season than last season. Kugryshev's English was amazing!

Moving toward week’s end, Bruess continued on Twitter, “It was a good game for the White Team today. We felt we outplayed them the entire game, but we had a great third quarter.” Then, “Our transition game was really working. The crowd was awesome again as well. The fans are really good here.”

Braden jumped in on Friday, “We’re waiting on 1-on-1 meetings with coaches after a pretty good short practice and workout. Can’t wait for baseball game tonight—I’m a big baseball fan. In the meantime, I promised to share some of the toughest shooters here … “

Then he continued with that message, “Perreault, Bouchard. Dubuc’s been great. Broda’s got a great wrist shot. Godfrey can bring it. I better mention Carlson, too.”

There were two final messages. First, “Got results from our on- and off-ice testing today. If you’re a good sprinter you should be a good skater – that’s usually true.” And then, “I screw up that theory. I am a good skater but a horrible sprinter – I run like I’m carrying a refrigerator. –“

So tomorrow Development Camp ends -- and, unfortunately, probably the Twitter messages will end too.

But most certainly each of these young men will leave Development Camp with a greater knowledge of how to take care of themselves and how to become better hockey players. And they will also likely leave with greater confidence in themselves -- and feeling comfortable and proud of the Capitals organization.

Twitter and interview followers will look forward to seeing these guys on the ice in Hershey Bears uniforms -- or even at some point the Caps' red, white and blue! Sphere: Related Content

CAPITALS TRADE KEITH SEABROOK TO CALGARY FLAMES

Defenseman Keith Seabrook has been traded to the Calgary Flames for future considerations, according to Capitals vice president and general manager George McPhee today.

Seabrook was a second-round Capitals selection (52nd overall) in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. For the past two seasons Seabrook, a native of Canada, played with the Western Hockey League's Calgary Hitmen. Sphere: Related Content

CAPITALS DEVELOPMENT CAMP SATURDAY SCRIMMAGE WILL BE AT 10 a.m.

The Washington Capitals final Development Camp scrimmage will be held at 10 a.m., not 10:30 as has been been reported in some locations, according to a Twitter message. Sphere: Related Content

CAPITALS SIGN MORRISONN, FEHR, SCHULTZ, BOURQUE, WILSON AND PINIZZOTTO

The Washington Capitals have been busy -- making certain that there are no empty or weak slots in their upcoming season line-up.

The team has signed defensemen Shaone Morrisonn, forwards Eric Fehr, Chris Bourque and Kyle Wilson to one year contracts and forward Steve Pinizzotto to a two year contract, according to vice president and general manager George McPhee. And defenseman Jeff Schultz, who has been with the team for three years, was added to the list late Thursday morning. Sphere: Related Content

SUMMER CAMP FOR YOUNG WASHINGTON CAPITALS HOPEFULS

The Washington Capitals Development camp, like most summer camps, offers a chance to form new friendships. But instead of swims in a tree-shaded, cool lake during lazy, hazy, hot summer days, these young men feel the pressure to use on- an off-ice workouts and scrimmages to show their mettle, sparkle in a crowd of some of the world's most talented and skilled young athletes -- and basically prove to the Capitals that the team really needs them.

Two Development camp hopefuls, goalie Braden Holtby and center Trevor Bruess, have been recounting their experiences on Twitter.

Holtby, who practiced with the Hershey Bears throughout their playoff run this past season, recounted the very beginning of camp sessions. "We were supposed to be at the rink at 8:45. I think everybody was here before 8," he revealed.

And later Bruess, who signed with the Capitals as a free agent in March, opined, "That was real competitive. Coach Boudreau is a really good coach. You better have your thinking cap on and make sure you listen.”

They recounted a quick lunch, following by a meeting with a nutritionist. And later Bruess opined, “All in all a good afternoon. Off-ice workouts, they wanted to make sure we had the right form for now and the rest of the summer.” And Holtby added, “Guys seemed more comfortable this afternoon and it’ll probably be even better tomorrow after a good night’s sleep.”

On Tuesday, day two, Bruess began, “We got the nerves out in the first day. Today was still tough, but better. The drills really let you show what you can do.”

But the day was not all work and no play. The young players were treated to a tour of Washington, D.C. – including the Capitol and the White House. And hopefully, they managed a close-up look at the White House. Prior to the start of the tour, Canadian native Holtby enthused, "Last year we didn’t get a good view of the front of the White House, so hopefully we get that. For a lot of us Canadians, the White House is all we know about D.C. – so that’s what we are looking forward to.”

Among the young men invited to attend the camp, which began on Monday, were Capitals prospects who are under contract, as well as recent Capitals draft picks who have not signed yet. First-round draft picks are Anton Gustafsson (2008), John Carlson (2008) and Joe Finley (2005).

It seems that on the first day of camp, about three dozen hopefuls ranging in age from 17 to 24-years-old spent time on the ice and in the weight room. Capitals head coach Bruce Boudreay, from his early-in-the-week look at the young players, hailed defenseman John Carlson and forwards Cody Eakin and Trevor Bruess as standouts.




Easily the most talked about player at the Development camp was Carlson, selected by the Capitals in the first round of the 2008 draft.

Coach Beaudreau described Carlson as “polished for a 19-year-old. He’s way ahead of the curve, I think.” And he added that he was impressed by Carlson’s “puck movement, the way he closes gaps.

Last year Carlson played in two preseason games for Washington and had two assists before being assigned to the OHL’s London Knights. In London, playing for former Cap Dale Hunter, he tallied 76 points in 59 games and then racked up 22 points in 14 playoff games. He joined Hershey in the AHL playoffs” -- and scored two goals and one assist in 16 games as Hershey went on to win the Calder Cup. Carlson has also been invited to the U.S. national junior evaluation camp to be held in August in Lake Placid, N.Y.

“Going to training camp is a stepping stone to your final goal,” explained the 6 ft 2, 218 pound Carlson during an interview, “So you take it pretty seriously – and you can definitely learn some stuff out there.”

The young defenseman also spoke of his time with the Capitals' affiliate Hershey Bears. "Hershey was an unbelievable experience," he said. "I didn’t know what to expect going in and then I kind of got thrown in the fire and, you know, it took me a little while to get used to it. It was a big jump, but I thought I did pretty well -- and looking back now, how many 19-year-olds can say they have a AHL championship under their belt. So it was unbelievable."

"I think that (Hershey) will definitely help me out coming into training camp this year," he added, "having that experience and knowing what it’s like down there. It’s professional hockey, and it’s the second best league in the world. It’s definitely going to help.”

Cody Eakin, also high on the coach’s list of standouts, was selected by the team in the third round of the 2009 Draft. He is described by the Caps as “a tremendous skater (who) had 48 points in 54 games with the Swift Current Broncos in the WHL last season. His stock skyrocketed after he was invited to the CHL-NHL Prospects Games last January. He played on the wing next to No. 1 pick John Tavares and did not disappoint. Eakin scored two goals and was +2 enroute to being named his team’s most outstanding player.”

And center Bruess, the Capitals detailed, “spent the past three seasons with Minnesota State in the WCHA and was an assistant captain for the Mavericks in 2008-09. He had 12 goals, 17 points and 117 penalty minutes in 35 games last season, leading the team in penalty minutes and finishing tied for third in goals. He was a two-time recipient of MSU’s Hardest Worker Award and his 117 penalty minutes last season represented 15 percent of the team’s total.”

In camp there was the expected buzz about which of the hopefuls were already starting to make their presence known. Among some of the additional names mentioned included center Mathieu Perreault, right wing Dmitry Kugryshev, left wing Stefan Della Rovere and Holtby.

Coach was eager to tell that he considered the camp a whole lot of fun. And then he described a bit of what he will be looking for this week. “I personally look at guys who can get it and retain stuff. And, you know, you’ve got the guys that the coaches end up loving … where you tell them once and they know what they are doing. I see a couple of guys out there like that. … Those are the really coachable players, and I don’t want to have to explain everything in so much detail that it takes away from everybody else doing it.”

General Manager George McPhee expressed the Capitals' major goal for the week. "We want (the young athletes) to feel comfortable here. We want them to know our personnel. And it’s all about giving them as much experience as we can give them. We don’t have experience pills to give them. So we just like to get them in and really fast-track the experience – and that’s a hard thing to do. But the more they are around good players and the more they’re at our facility, we’re hoping the more comfortable they are. And maybe that translates to being more effective on the ice.”

Early on Wednesday, Holtby wrote on Twitter, "Guys were pretty jealous of the goalies today -- they all had to do skating testing but we didn't do a thing." Then he added, "Actually Dan and I talked with Dave Prior a bit about how things are going, but that's all." Prior is the team's goaltending coach.

General manager George McPhee had plenty of positive comments about the camp, and detailed, "That's one of the nice things about this camp. You get a better read on the players because sometimes you can't get out to see all of them during the season. It's just impossible to do that sometimes and so you bring them here and you get a good look at them and get a feel for them, and it helps you make better decisions."

In speaking the health of the sport as these young players are just beginning to make their mark, McPhee expressed, "Hockey overall is as good as it has ever been. The NHL is as good as it has ever been. The American League is a strong league. We've got all kinds of kids playing the game now and coming from everywhere -- all over the world and different places in the U.S. than we've been accustomed to. So the game's in great shape at all levels and the players that are coming along -- we've had Ovechkin -- it's just exceptional talent. Every year we seem to have some terrific young kids coming into the league."

And in further discussing the Capitals' strategy with young players, possibly including Carlson, McPhee added, "We've always tried to take our time with players and build a great base so they've got a great foundation and have success at every level -- so their frame of reference is that if they struggle at this level, they can always think, well, I had success in junior or I had success in Hershey. We like to build that kind of confidence. That's the way we like to work. But the salary cap sometimes, at least with some other clubs to this point, has forced young guys to play earlier. They're cheaper, and they seem to be able to handle it so that may change our thinking. Some of these kids are ready to go."

When Saturday arrives and camp draws to a close, most likely the Capitals and the players will have a better sense of where each player stands -- where each player excelled, and the areas to work on for improvement. But thus far, judging by messages from the two representatives on Twitter, this summer camp is not quite as different from other camps as might be imagined. It appears that there are friendships being formed, some fun times -- and the young hopefuls will head out of camp with an added level of independence, confidence and maturity.

It seems that all is very well with the young hockey hopefuls at the Capitals Development Camp. Sphere: Related Content

WASHINGTON CAPITALS ANNOUNCE 2009-10 REGULAR-SEASON SCHEDULE

Capitals Announce 2009-10 Regular-Season Schedule Season begins Oct. 1 at Boston, with home opener set for Oct. 3 vs. TorontoJul 15, 2009, 3:02 PM EDT ARLINGTON, Va. – The Washington Capitals’ 82-game regular-season schedule for 2009-10 begins on Thursday, Oct. 1, at the Boston Bruins, a matchup of the top two teams in the Eastern Conference from last season. The Capitals will make their Verizon Center debut on Saturday, Oct. 3, when they host the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second game of the season.

The 2009-10 NHL schedule format, similar to last season’s, has the Capitals facing the other teams in the Southeast Division six times each and the remaining Eastern Conference opponents four times each. Washington plays each team in the Western Conference at least once, with two games each against Columbus, Detroit and San Jose. Nine Western Conference teams will visit Verizon Center.

The 2009-10 schedule includes a two-week break for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, which will feature NHL players. The Capitals will be off for 17 days from Feb. 14-March 2. They play the first game after the break on the road (March 3 at Buffalo) but are home for the next five games, the longest homestand of the season. That is one of seven homestands of at least three games on the schedule.

Washington has only three stretches of four straight games on the road, one of which is interrupted by the Olympic break and another where the team will return home between games. The team has 13 sets of games on consecutive days, the same number as 2008-09.

More than half of the Capitals’ 41 home games at Verizon Center fall on weekends, including nine Friday games, six Saturday games and six Sunday games. The schedule features holiday home games on the day before Thanksgiving (Nov. 25 vs. Buffalo), the day after Christmas (Dec. 26 vs. New Jersey) and Super Bowl Sunday (Feb. 7 vs. Pittsburgh).

All but six of Washington’s home games are scheduled to start at 7 p.m., with the exceptions all falling on Sunday afternoons.

Television and radio broadcast plans will be released at a later date.

2009-10 Washington Capitals Schedule

October
Thurs., Oct. 1 at Boston 7 p.m.
Sat., Oct. 3 Toronto 7 p.m.
Tues., Oct. 6 at Philadelphia 7 p.m.
Thurs., Oct. 8 N.Y. Rangers 7 p.m.
Sat., Oct. 10 at Detroit 7 p.m.
Mon., Oct. 12 New Jersey 7 p.m.
Thurs., Oct. 15 San Jose 7 p.m.
Sat., Oct. 17 Nashville 7 p.m.
Thurs., Oct. 22 at Atlanta 7 p.m.
Sat., Oct. 24 at N.Y. Islanders 7 p.m.
Tues., Oct. 27 Philadelphia 7 p.m.
Thurs., Oct. 29 at Atlanta 7 p.m.
Fri., Oct. 30 N.Y. Islanders 7 p.m.

November
Sun., Nov. 1 Columbus 5 p.m.
Wed., Nov. 4 at New Jersey 7 p.m.
Fri., Nov. 6 at Florida 7:30 p.m.
Sat., Nov. 7 Florida 7 p.m.
Wed., Nov. 11 N.Y. Islanders 7 p.m.
Fri., Nov. 13 Minnesota 7 p.m.
Sat., Nov. 14 at New Jersey 7 p.m.
Tues., Nov. 17 at N.Y. Rangers 7 p.m.
Fri., Nov. 20 Montreal 7 p.m.
Sat., Nov. 21 at Toronto 7 p.m.
Mon., Nov. 23 at Ottawa 7:30 p.m.
Wed., Nov. 25 Buffalo 7 p.m.
Sat., Nov. 28 at Montreal 7 p.m.
Mon., Nov. 30 at Carolina 7 p.m.

December
Thurs., Dec. 3 Florida 7 p.m.
Sat., Dec. 5 at Philadelphia 7 p.m.
Mon., Dec. 7 at Tampa Bay 7:30 p.m.
Wed., Dec. 9 at Buffalo 7 p.m.
Fri., Dec. 11 Carolina 7 p.m.
Sat., Dec. 12 at Toronto 7 p.m.
Tues., Dec. 15 at Colorado 9:30 p.m.
Fri., Dec. 18 at Vancouver 10 p.m.
Sat., Dec. 19 at Edmonton 10 p.m.
Wed., Dec. 23 Buffalo 7 p.m.
Sat., Dec. 26 New Jersey 7 p.m.
Mon., Dec. 28 Carolina 7 p.m.
Wed., Dec. 30 at San Jose 10:30 p.m.

January
Sat., Jan. 2 at Los Angeles 4 p.m.
Tues., Jan. 5 Montreal 7 p.m.
Thurs., Jan. 7 Ottawa 7 p.m.
Sat., Jan. 9 at Atlanta 7 p.m.
Tues., Jan. 12 at Tampa Bay 7:30 p.m.
Wed., Jan. 13 at Florida 7:30 p.m.
Fri., Jan. 15 Toronto 7 p.m.
Sun., Jan. 17 Philadelphia 3 p.m.
Tues., Jan. 19 Detroit 7 p.m.
Thurs., Jan. 21 at Pittsburgh 7:30 p.m.
Sat., Jan. 23 Phoenix 7 p.m.
Tues., Jan. 26 at N.Y. Islanders 7 p.m.
Wed., Jan. 27 Anaheim 7 p.m.
Fri., Jan. 29 Florida 7 p.m.
Sun., Jan. 31 Tampa Bay 3 p.m.

February
Tues., Feb. 2 at Boston 7 p.m.
Thurs., Feb. 4 at N.Y. Rangers 7 p.m.
Fri., Feb. 5 Atlanta 7 p.m.
Sun., Feb. 7 Pittsburgh 12:30 p.m.
Wed., Feb. 10 at Montreal 7:30 p.m.
Thurs., Feb. 11 at Ottawa 7 p.m.
Sat., Feb. 13 at St. Louis 8 p.m.
Olympic Break

March
Wed., March 3 at Buffalo 7 p.m.
Thurs., March 4 Tampa Bay 7 p.m.
Sat., March 6 N.Y. Rangers 7 p.m.
Mon., March 8 Dallas 7 p.m.
Wed., March 10 Carolina 7 p.m.
Fri., March 12 Tampa Bay 7 p.m.
Sun., March 14 at Chicago 7 p.m.
Tues., March 16 at Florida 7:30 p.m.
Thurs., March 18 at Carolina 7 p.m.
Sat., March 20 at Tampa Bay 7:30 p.m.
Wed., March 24 Pittsburgh 7 p.m.
Thurs., March 25 at Carolina 7 p.m.
Sun., March 28 Calgary 3 p.m.
Tues., March 30 Ottawa 7 p.m.

April
Thurs., April 1 Atlanta 7 p.m.
Sat., April 3 at Columbus 7 p.m.
Mon., April 5 Boston 7 p.m.
Tues., April 6 at Pittsburgh 7:30 p.m.
Fri., April 9 Atlanta 7 p.m.
Sun., April 11 Boston 3 p.m.

All Times Eastern Sphere: Related Content

WASHINGTON CAPITALS 2009 PRESEASON SCHEDULE

Capitals Announce 2009 Preseason Schedule 2009-10 regular season schedule to be announced at 3 p.m. on July 15 Washington Capitals Jul 14, 2009, 4:39 PM EDT ARLINGTON, Va. – The Washington Capitals 2009 preseason schedule features six games against three opponents and includes three games at Verizon Center.

The Caps play their first preseason game on the road at the Buffalo Sabres (date and time TBA). The team’s preseason home opener at Verizon Center is Monday, Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. against Buffalo.

In addition to playing Buffalo twice, the Caps also have home-and-home series with the Chicago Blackhawks and New York Rangers.

The Capitals were 5-1-1 in the preseason last year, and their all-time preseason record is 131-109-29-9.

Audio from every preseason game will be broadcast live on WashingtonCaps.com.

2009 Washington Capitals Preseason Schedule


2009 Washington Capitals Preseason Schedule

Date
Opponent
Location
Time

TBA
at Buffalo
HSBC Arena, Buffalo, N.Y.
TBA
Sat., Sept. 19
at Chicago
United Center, Chicago, Ill.
8:30 p.m.

Mon., Sept. 21
Buffalo
Verizon Center, Washington, D.C.
7 p.m.

Wed., Sept. 23
Chicago
Verizon Center, Washington, D.C.
7 p.m.

Thurs., Sept. 24
at NY Rangers
Madison Square Garden, New York, N.Y.
7 p.m.

Sun., Sept. 27
NY Rangers
Verizon Center, Washington, D.C.
Noon Sphere: Related Content

CAPITALS SIGN BOYD GORDON TO ONE-YEAR CONTRACT

Boyd Gordon, a restricted free agent, has signed a one-year contract with the Washington Capitals, according to vice president and general manager George McPhee.

The $760,000 contract will keep the 25-year-old Gordon on the team where he scored five goals and nine assists in 63 games last season. This represents a slight raise over the $650,000 that he reportedly earned last season.

Gordon, a center/right wing who is recognized for his faceoff talent ,was third on the team with a 56.1 faceoff percentage and led the team in the playoffs at 63.3 percent. And he was third on the team in shorthanded ice time, playing an average of 3:39 per game. His penalty minutes tied Viktor Kozlov for the fewest on the team for anyone who played more than 30 games.

A native of Saskatchewan, Gordon was a Capitals’ first-round choice, 17th overall, in the 2002 Entry Draft. He has played in 267 career games, recording 66 points and 54 penalty minutes.

Gordon was a member of the 2006 Calder Cup winning Hershey Bears in the NHL, playing all 21 playoff games. And he was a recipient of the Memorial Cup in 2000-01. Sphere: Related Content

MARK FRENCH PROMOTED TO HEAD COACH OF HERSHEY BEARS

Mark French, assistant coach of the Hershey Bears, has been promoted to head coach of the Washington Capitals’ American Hockey League affiliate, according to Capitals vice president and general manager George McPhee on Monday morning. In addition, McPhee announced that Troy Mann will become the Bears' assistant coach.

French steps into the very big shoes that were left empty when Bob Woods, who led the Bears to their Calder Cup victory this season, moved on to an assistant coach position with the Capitals team.

From 2005-07 French held the position of head coach and director of hockey operations for the Wichita Thunder (Central Hockey League). As such, he was responsible for player recruitment and contract negotiations and managed the team’s operating budget.

French also previously served as assistant coach of the Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies of the ECHL during the 2004-05 season when that team attained a 42-21-9 record. Earlier, before joining the professional ranks, he was head coach at Wilfrid Laurier University in Canada, and prior to that was assistant coach and assistant general manager of the North Bay Centennials in the Canadian Hockey League.



Mann has been with the ECHL's Columbia Inferno for the past four years -- with three of those years as head coach and director of hockey operations. He led the Inferno to the South Division final in 2007-08. And last season, while the team suspended operations as a new arena was being constructed, he was associate head coach of the ECHL’s Charlotte Checkers. Mann began his coaching career as player/assistant coach in the United Hockey League prior to becoming assistant coach and interim head coach of the Central Hockey League’s Topeka Tarantulas in 2004-05.

A 1993 graduate of the University of Toronto where he played for the Varsity Bears, Mann’s 11-year professional career included a stint with the Mississippi SeaWolves in the ECHL where he was the first player to sign with the franchise in 1996 and won the Kelly Cup while playing for Washington head coach Bruce Boudreau in 1999. Woods was both a player and assistant coach of the 1999 SeaWolves.


Mark French, assistant coach of the Hershey Bears, has been promoted to head coach of the Washington Capitals’ American Hockey League affiliate, according to Capitals vice president and general manager George McPhee on Monday morning. In addition, McPhee announced that Troy Mann will become the Bears' assistant coach.

French steps into the very big shoes that were left empty when Bob Woods, who led the Bears to their Calder Cup victory this season, moved on to an assistant coach position with the Capitals team.

From 2005-07 French held the position of head coach and director of hockey operations for the Wichita Thunder (Central Hockey League). As such, he was responsible for player recruitment and contract negotiations and managed the team’s operating budget.

French also previously served as assistant coach of the Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies of the ECHL during the 2004-05 season when that team attained a 42-21-9 record. Earlier, before joining the professional ranks, he was head coach at Wilfrid Laurier University in Canada, and prior to that was assistant coach and assistant general manager of the North Bay Centennials in the Canadian Hockey League.

Mann has been with the ECHL's Columbia Inferno for the past four years -- with three of those years as head coach and director of hockey operations. He led the Inferno to the South Division final in 2007-08. And last season, while the team suspended operations as a new arena was being constructed, he was associate head coach of the ECHL’s Charlotte Checkers. Mann began his coaching career as player/assistant coach in the United Hockey League prior to becoming assistant coach and interim head coach of the Central Hockey League’s Topeka Tarantulas in 2004-05.

A 1993 graduate of the University of Toronto where he played for the Varsity Bears, Mann’s 11-year professional career included a stint with the Mississippi SeaWolves in the ECHL where he was the first player to sign with the franchise in 1996 and won the Kelly Cup while playing for Washington head coach Bruce Boudreau in 1999. Woods was both a player and assistant coach of the 1999 SeaWolves. Sphere: Related Content

BOYD KANE RETURNS TO HERSHEY BEARS-WASHINGTON CAPITALS

Boyd Kane, a free agent winger at the helm of the Hershey Bears when they won the Calder Cup in 2005-06, has signed with the Washing Capitals-Hershey Bears, according to the teams on Saturday. He returns to Hershey after three seasons with Philadelphia Phantoms where he scored 45 goals.

“He was very excited to come back,”said Bears president /GM Doug Yingst told the Patriot News . “And we’re happy to have him back in Hershey and Washington. (He’s) one player that we targeted at the close of the season, knowing we couldn’t have everybody returning after winning the Calder Cup. We again wanted to add experience and leadership to our lineup.”

Kane, 31, was captain of the Phantoms when they won the Calder Cup in 2004-05, and then repeated the feat for Hershey the following season. He is one of two players in AHL history to have captained two different clubs to Calder Cup victories in consecutive season. Dave Fenyves led the Bears and Rochester Americans to championships back in 1987 and 1988. Sphere: Related Content

CAPITALS SIGN VETERAN CENTER BRENDAN MORRISON

Veteran center Brendan Morrison, 33, an unrestricted free agent, has been signed to a one-year contract with the Washington Capitals, according to vice president and general manager George McPhee on Friday.

The price of acquiring Morrison has been reported as $1.5 million – a tremendous bargain for the Capitals if Morrison can avoid the injuries that have plagued him during the past couple of years and can return to the offensive weapon that he was when playing for Vancouver.

And Morrison this week said that he is completely healthy and believes that he still has a lot of his career in front of him.

The expectation is that the 5 ft 11, 181 pound Morrison will play second-line center, replacing Sergei Fedorov who left at the end of the season to play in the KHL in Russia.

“I sure hope so,” he told NHL staff writer Brian Hunter. “In the initial talks we had, that’s what we’ve discussed. Obviously I know nothing is guaranteed and they don’t just hand out positions, but if I can get my game back, that’s the role I hope to play.”

And Morrison revealed that he has really wanted to play on the Capitals team, saying, “This is a team I wanted to be a part of. I feel like they’re right on the cusp of some real good playoff success.”

Last year Morrison reportedly earned $2.75 million between the Anaheim Ducks and the Dallas Stars who acquired him on waivers in March. He scored 16 goals and 31 points in 81 games.

Between 2000 and 2007, Morrison played in 542 consecutive games -- and scored over 50 points in each of his first six full seasons -- with Vancouver, but eventually he was plagued by injuries that resulted in four surgical procedures. During the 2007-08 season he only managed 39 games with the team, and then moved on to the Ducks in 2008-09, being waived in March and picked up by the Stars.

“I think initially the opportunity was there in Anaheim,” Morrison told the NHL, “but I couldn’t take advantage. I could barely get up and down the ice. When you don’t perform for a few games, they move on to the next guy. When I moved to Dallas, I got a lot of minutes right away. That, coupled with the fact I felt a lot better physically, helped me get back to being an offensive threat.”
Morrison said healthy and ready for summer camp.

“He has a clean bill of health and is committed to coming to camp in great shape,”explained McPhee. “We think he could really flourish here.”

A native of British Columbia, Morrison began his career with the New Jersey Devils and has played a total of 12 seasons with Dallas, Anaheim, Vancouver and New Jersey. In 755 career games, he scored 175 goals and 505 points. And he has eight goals and 28 points in 53 career playoff games.

Morrison, who will turn 34 next month, is actually the second “thirty-something” player added to the Capitals team this month. On July 1st, the first day of free agency, 37-year-old winger Mike Knuble was signed by the Capitals. And, in fact, Morrison, winner of the Hobey Baker Award as the country’s top college player, actually played with Knuble for two years at the University of Michigan.

“Mike and I are good friends,” said Morrison. “We played on the same line for two years at Michigan, and we actually played together in Sweden the lockout year. We’re familiar with each other. I haven’t spoken to him yet, but I told him I was coming to Washington for a visit and he was excited about that.”

Morrison said that he is skating well and feeling strong – “I’m back now. I feel ready.” Sphere: Related Content

KNUBLE ANXIOUS TO PLAY WITH OVECHKIN, BACKSTROM AND ENTIRE CAPITALS TEAM

“(Ovechkin) is our MVP, and he’s one of the most exciting guys in the league,” said right wing Mike Knuble in expressing his eagerness to begin regular season play with Alex Ovechkin on the Washington Capitals team. “He’s intense and works extremely hard, and I can’t help but believe that is going to be contagious.”

Knuble said that he is very happy that he will get to play with Ovechkin and Backstrom -- and also happy to become a player with the entire Capitals team. Having recently signed a two-year, $5.6 million contract with the Washington Capitals, he said that he is anxious to show that his talents and assets will be a real benefit to them. “I knew they needed a guy like me – a guy that can go out in front of the net and score goals, get goals off my skate, my stock, my rear end, whatever,” he explained.

Knuble will replace Viktor Kozlov as a first-line forward alongside left wing Ovechkin and center Nicklas Backstrom. “What we did is replace a 13-goal scorer (Kozlov) with a 27-goal scorer – and the team is better as a result,” explained Capitals general manager George McPhee.

“Backstrom and Ovechkin are going to have the puck a lot,” McPhee explained, “and we needed someone to be around the net to do some of the dirty work. Mike’s made his living there. He has done a real good job in that regard. He has been remarkably consistent in the number of games he has played and the number of goals he has scored in the past five or six years.”

The 6 ft 3, 230-pound Knuble said that shortly after the free-agent process began, four teams had offered him a contract, but that he was very happy to be heading for Washington. With the Philadelphia Flyers he had played in 820 career games – and last year scored 27 goals and 20 assists in 82 games.

“Washington is everything that I wanted in a team,” Knuble enthused, making it perfectly clear that he is delighted to be joining the Capitals. “I think the team is on the verge of something good, something great.” Knuble also said that he thinks the area will be a good place for his family to live.

While Knuble, who recently turned 37, understands that he is closer to the twilight of his career than to the dawn, he also believes that since he has taken good care of himself and avoided serious injury, he still has a few more years of serious playing ahead before he will need to think about hanging up his skates for good.

Sphere: Related Content

FIRST CAPITALS CONVENTION SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER

Sometimes there is an event that is just so exciting, so completely amazing that it seems like a dream come true! And what could possibly fit that description more perfectly than an entire day with the Washington Capitals -- meeting favorite players, having photos taken with them and even getting to ask them a question or two!

Washington Capitals fans will be treated to a lot of fun and an entire day with the team and players when the team holds its first Capitals Convention on Saturday, Sept. 26 at the Gaylord Convention Center at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md.

“This is a unique opportunity for our organization to engage our fans on a variety of levels,” said Capitals majority owner Ted Leonsis. “It’s an opportunity for our players, coaches, alumni and front office to provide insights as well as the intricacies of our organization and our great sport.”

The day-long event will feature the coming season’s entire team, as well as some Capitals alumni, coaches and team executives. Breakout sessions and panel discussions will give fans a peek at behind the scenes operations, as well as an insight into the lives of NHL players.

There will be interactive games for adults and children, a display of many of the most significant NHL trophies and a locker-room store with game-used authentic memorabilia and the team’s annual equipment sale.

Panel discussions will feature Leonsis, general manager George McPhee and head coach Bruce Boudreau and will focus on such topics as the day-to-day responsibilities of operating a professional hockey club. And Capitals players will offer a glimpse into the life of a professional athlete.

While some panel topics are planned, fans will soon have the chance to vote at WashingtonCaps.com on other topics of interest to them.

Current panel discussions, which are subject to change, include:

• Ask the Coaches – Sit down with members of the coaching staff and pick their brains. See what differentiates their roles and responsibilities and how that impacts the team.
• Covering the Caps – Ever wondered what it was like to be a reporter covering the Capitals? This session will let fans see what it is like to be a member of the media. Learn what transpires before, during and after games.
• Managing the Salary Cap – Negotiating player contracts and managing the nuances of the NHL’s salary cap have profound impacts on every team. Get a look into how assistant general manager Don Fishman deals with these issues.
• Caps on the Rise – The Washington Capitals swiftly have ascended to one of the elite teams in the NHL and the architect is general manager George McPhee. Hear the firsthand account from the GM on how the plan came together and what is on the horizon.
• Kids-Only Press Conference – Players have to deal with media every day during the season, but this time the Caps are shaking things up and turning the mics over to the kids. In this press-conference atmosphere, kids have free reign to ask Caps players today’s burning questions.
• Work in Sports – Panelists from the area’s sports teams will discuss their career paths and advice for those looking to break into the sports business.

The Sept. 26 festivities begin at 9 a.m. for season-ticket holders and 10 a.m. for the general public and will conclude at 8 p.m. Tickets, priced at $40 for adults and $25 for children 14 and younger, go on sale July 9 to season-ticket holders and July 14 to the general public. There are a limited number of “Golden Tickets” available for $350, which guarantees all player autographs with access to a special fast-pass autograph line and priority seating for panel discussions. Tickets will be available at WashingtonCaps.com.

First Capitals Convention details Sphere: Related Content

RAIDERS' GARRETT ZEMLAK WILL ATTEND WASHINGTON CAPITALS ROOKIE CAMP

Garrett Zemlak, a goaltender with the Prince Albert, Saskatchewan Raiders who was not selected in the 2009 NHL draft, will have the chance to show his talents at the Washington Capitals rookie camp beginning next week in Arlington, VA.

"It's something I've been really working towards," Zemlak, 20, told the Prince Albert Daily Herald. "To be invited as a free agent is an honor considering they only have a few spots at the camp for players other than their draft picks.

"They have an intense itinerary, but that's something I've been preparing for through my off-season training. It's nice that they have spotted something in you and feel you're worth a look at. In the end, it's up to me to prove that I belong and hope for an invite to the main camp."

The 6 ft 1 Zemlak appeared in 33 games last season with the Raiders. He posted a 16-12-1 record with a 3.65 GGA and 0.896 save percentage. Sphere: Related Content

PRESIDENT OBAMA PRAISES OVECHKIN IN RUSSIA

The Washington Capitals Alex Ovechkin has been named by President Obama as one of the great Russian contributors to the world.

"As a resident of Washington, DC, I continue to benefit from the contributions of Russians -- specifically from Alexander Ovechkin," said Obama, apparently garnering a cheery chuckle from the graduating class at the New Economic School in Moscow on Tuesday. "I'm very pleased to have him in Washington, DC."

Mr. Obama praised Russian culture and science, called for greater cooperation between the two countries and then pointed out that Washington, DC residents appreciate the talent and hard work of Russian native Ovechkin who is a superstar on the local hockey team.

Ovechkin, a Capitals left wing, seems to be quite a man of the world -- clearly a fan favorite on both sides of the ocean. There is no doubt that he is loved and admired by Capitals and US hockey fans -- and he is also admired in his native Russia where he was recently selected to be "official ambassador" for the 2014 Sochi Games.

The guardian.co.uk website on Monday hailed Ovechkin as "widely considered the world's best player ...."

The Capitals superstar helped Russia win the gold medal at last year's world championship, beating the Canadian team.

And last month the Capitals' Ovechkin was a repeat winner of the Hart Trophy as the NHL's Most Valuable Player, along with the Rocket Richard Trophy as the league's leading goal-scorer, the Art Ross Trophy for most points and the Lester B Pearson Award as the top player in a vote by NHL players. Sphere: Related Content

OVECHKIN TO BE AMBASSADOR OF 2014 SOCHI GAMES

Washington Capitals MVP Alex Ovechkin, who has stepped forward and offered his assistance to the organizers of the first winter Olympics to be held in his native Russia, will be an “official ambassador” for the 2014 Sochi Games, according to game officials on Monday.

“As an ice hockey player, it is truly an honor to become an ambassador of the Winter Games being held in my home country,” explained Ovechkin. “When Sochi won its bid in Guatemala, we were delighted that in 2014 we will be playing at home on a brand-new modern hockey arena beside the beautiful seaside. As an athlete, I’ll try to do everything possible (to) bring the Olympic gold to the Russian team.”

Ovechkin also said, "For me it's now hard to imagine a summer without a trip to Sochi. I was here same time last year. The city is changing rapidly, and I am especially glad that the construction of the hockey arenas is already underway."

Ovechkin, a true Capitals star, led his team in goals this past season with 56 – and at season’s end collected a boatload of awards including the prestigious Hart Trophy as league MVP. The left wing has not only won the Hart Trophy for the past two years, but he is the only repeat MVP since Buffalo’s Dominik Hasek back in 1997-98. He also was honored with the Rocket Richard Trophy as the league’s leading goal-scorer, the Art Ross Trophy for most points and the Lester B Pearson Award as the top player as voted by NHL players.

Ovechkin played for Russia in the 2006 Olympics and will likely lead the team at the Winter Games in Vancouver next year. And he also helped Russia win the gold medal at the world championships last year when the team defeated the team from Canada. Sphere: Related Content

DEFENSEMAN MILAR JURCINA FILES FOR ARBITRATION

Defenseman Milan Jurcina has filed for salary arbitration, according to The Washington Post's Capitals Insider.

Defenseman Milan Jurcina is the only Cap who has filed for salary arbitration, I'm told.

Jurcina led Washington's defensemen in hits (157), the team in blocked shots (131) and raised his level of play in the playoffs. He earned $912,500 last season, the third-lowest salary among the regulars on the blueline.

Jurcina can negotiate an extension with the Caps up until the date of his hearing, which will be held between July 20-Aug. 4 (an exact date will be set soon). The deadline for rulings is Aug. 6.

Defenseman Shaone Morrisonn and forwards Eric Fehr and Boyd Gordon were also eligible for arbitration but did not file. They have until July 15 to accept their qualifying offers.

Jurcina Files for Arbitration Sphere: Related Content

CAPITALS DEVELOPMENT CAMP -- JULY 13-18

The Washington Capitals annual development camp has been scheduled for July 13-18 at Kettler Capitals Iceplex in Arlington, VA, the team has announced.

Coach Bruce Boudreau will gather the team's new draft picks, some rookie players and other prospects for both on ice and off ice workouts.

The on-ice exercises, which will include scrimmages, will be open to the public and media -- while off ice workouts are not.

While the camp roster is not yet finalized, some confirmed participants are: Capitals first-round draft picks Anton Gustafsson, 2008; John Carlson, 2008 and Joe Finley, 2005. Also confirmed are Francois Bouchard, a 2006 second round pick, and Mathieu Perreault, 2006 six-round pick, from the 2009 AHL Calder Cup winning Hershey Bears.

In addition, the 2009 ECHL Kelly Cup South Carolina Stingrays will be represented by Josh Godfrey, 2007 second-round selection. And seventh-round selection in 2007 Stefan Della Rovere, who was a member of Canada's gold medal winning World Junior Championship team will attend. Certain selections from the recent 2009 NHL Entry Draft are also expected to join this group.


Capitals Summer Development Camp On Ice Schedule

Sunday, July 12 Players arrive

Monday, July 13 Group A on ice at 10 a.m.; Group B on ice at 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday, July 14 Group B on ice at 10 a.m.; Group A on ice at 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday, July 15 Group A on ice at 10 a.m.; Group B on ice at 11:15 a.m.; scrimmage from 3:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 16 Group B on ice at 10 a.m.; Group A on ice at 11:15 a.m.; scrimmage from 3:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Friday, July 17 Group A on ice at 10 a.m.; Group B on ice at 11:45 a.m.

Saturday, July 18 Scrimmage from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.; players depart Sphere: Related Content

CAPITALS SCORE HIGH IN GIVING BACK TO THEIR FANS

The Washington Capitals – gaining attention as a force to be reckoned with on the ice – are also getting recognized off the ice as a team with an incredibly high level of interest, appreciation and concern for their fans.

The Capitals soared into sixth place in the recently released ESPN The Magazine’s 2009 Ultimate Standings that compared "how much MLB, NBA, NFL and NHL franchises give back to their fans in exchange for all of the time, money and emotion the fans invest in them." In total 122 individual sports teams were evaluated -- and the Capitals' high sixth place ranking is a 39 position leap over last year.

And no doubt a particular source of pride to the Capitals is their top Number One ranking in responsiveness to fan feedback – which probably also helped toward its 11th place finish in the fans relations category.

“It is great to be recognized by ESPN The Magazine,” said Capitals owner Ted Leonsis. “I am proud that our organization continues to deliver great value to our fans. Our fan base is one of the most passionate in all of sports. We had a great season, and we shared it with great fans. The Verizon Center was electric and promises to be in the future as Caps fans continue to rock the red.”

The Capitals escalated 54 spots to rank 11th in “bang for the buck” and improved in all categories. Their other rankings were fifth in ownership (honesty and loyalty to core players and local community), 10th in coaching (strength of on-field leadership), 12th in players (effort on the field and likability off it) and 15th in stadium experience (quality of arena and game-day promotions, as well as friendliness of environment).

The analysis was completed by ESPN The Magazine and the Warsaw Sports Marketing Center – and centered highly on about 50,000 fan responses collected by consulting firm Maddock Douglas, ESPN.com and GMI NetReflector.

ESPN The Magazine in total rated 122 Major League Baseball, National Basketball Association, National Football League and National Hockey League franchises.

The Washington team enjoyed a club-record 29 sellouts in the regular season, sold out every playoff game at Verizon Center and the average attendance was 99 percent of capacity. And the team sold out season tickets for the coming 2009-10 hockey season. Sphere: Related Content

BRASHEAR TO RANGERS

Donald Brashear, who appeared in 63 Washington Capitals games last season, will be moving to the New York Rangers, according to Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather.

During this past season Brashear's one goal was a game-winning one against the New York Islanders December, and he logged three assists and a team-leading 121 penalty minutes. Sphere: Related Content

CAPITALS SIGN WINGER MIKE KNUBLE

The Washington Capitals did it – they stepped up and got themselves a tough winger, Mike Knuble, who can offer a net-front presence and help the team to score goals!

Within hours of the beginning of the free agency, Knuble, 36, a power play specialist, agreed to move to the Capitals with a two-year contract worth $2.8 million a year.

Knuble, who was one of three Flyers to play in all 82 games last season -- posted 27 goals and 20 assists. "I feel like I'm no risk because I've been healthy," he said. "I feel like I have a lot more mileage left."

The 6 ft 3 in, 228 pound Canadian-born Knuble has played the last four seasons with the Flyers, scoring 114 goals, including 49 in power play situations, and 221 points in 310 games. Knuble’s career best was 34 goals during 2005-06. Previously Knuble played with Detroit, the New York Rangers and Boston. Sphere: Related Content

ATTENTION TURNS TO FREE AGENTS

Today is the day -- July 1st! The NHL draft is over -- and attention has turned to the group of free agent players.

As to what, if anything, to expect from the Capitals, general manager George McPhee has issued a few recent signals.

First, he has expressed that he thinks that the current Capitals team is a good one – the team can get by fine as it is without any changes. His philosophy is, he said, “No deal is better than a bad deal.”

But he also said that the Capitals will pick up players if the right deal is there. "We're looking for the right player at the right price," he explained. "If it is not there, we will just pass." And he added, "Don't look for us to spend big money on anyone."

In discussing long-term deals, McPhee thinks that long-term deals can be made “as long as you do the right deal with the right player. And that's the key in the business now. We (Capitals) have options. We're not locked into too many long-term deals, which is nice. We will do long-term deals for the right people, but you have to have some options."

However, in a more recent statement, appearing on the Capitals website, McPhee is quoted as saying, “Don’t expect us to do big money deals or long-term deals. … We’ll be prudent, and we’ll see.” So it seems that long-term deals may not be a part of McPhee’s plan.

And as for the Capitals’ needs, McPhee also revealed, “At the forward position, if we could add some more talent or depth we would. On defense we’re fine. Goaltending, we’re fine.”

At the time of the NHL draft, McPhee opined that there are some teams that are “already committed to a lot of contracts and a lot of money and don’t have a lot of room to participate. There will be three or four teams as we have every summer that are desperate, and they’re going to spend a lot of money, but those teams – and it is getting to be less and less every year – this may be the start of some of the salary escalation leveling off.”

Where McPhee did express confidence was in the team’s Hershey Bears affiliate, winners of the 2009 Calder Cup. "We have, I believe, some guys who can come up and make our team on a full-time basis. That will be determined in training camp, obviously, but we've done a pretty good job there. ... We're fortunate to have the guys who could come up and contribute and help us win, so we'll keep leaning on Hershey and promoting the kids that are ready to go." Sphere: Related Content