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.

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