Fans

Kids Day at Verizon Center

(Photos by Barbara Banks)

Thousands of pint-sized puck fanatics descended on the Verizon Center Sunday to participate in Caps Kids Day. Tickets for the Caps vs. Blues game were specially discounted for Kids Club Members, and the doors opened early exclusively for Deluxe Kids Club Members and their guests. The kids were treated to an autograph session with current Caps player, Mike Green, and Caps legends Rod Langway and Ivan Labre. Slapshot, Coco the Hershey Bears mascot and the Reading Royals mascot, also called Slapshot, were on hand to support the event. And if that wasn’t exciting enough, kids enjoyed face painting, games, activities, prizes, airbrush artists, spirit stations and, of course, a thrilling Caps 4-1 win over the St. Louis Blues. Two goals by Alex Ovechkin, accompanied by Mikhail Grabovski and John Carlson with a goal apiece, added to the fun.

Ten year old Rachel M., of Arlington, VA, invited her friends Emily and Rachel to enjoy the festivities. “I’m a season ticket holder and this happens only once a year,” said Rachel M. “We thought it would be a lot of fun.”

Mitchell C. and his family, of Manassas, VA, came to enjoy Kids Day and watch the game. He was excited to see the game. “It’s awesome! I like the action on the ice,” he said.

Tucker S., of Annapolis, MD, waited in line to get an autograph. “He didn’t know we were coming,” revealed Tucker’s mother, Jennifer. It was a big surprise for him.”

Tucker, like many young fans and their parents, waited in line for over an hour and a half to get Mike Green’s autograph.

The Caps Kids Club was developed to show young Caps fans that they’re important, too, and that not only adults can be a part of the Washington Capitals experience. There are two ways to participate. For $20, parents can register their kids for the Hat Trick Pro Package Deluxe Membership. This package includes all kinds of goodies from an exclusive Caps lunchbox to 3 free ice skating sessions at the Kettler Capitals icePlex. Option two is the Slapshot Scout Free Membership which includes a monthly newsletter and monthly raffles. Both options made kids eligible to receive a game ticket at a reduced price to see the Caps take on the Blues and participate in Caps Kids Day.

Prior to the game, as young fans entered the Verizon Center, they were treated to a performance by the Freedom High School “Soul Squad” Marching Band. Under the direction of Charles DiPuma, the spirited group hails from Woodbridge, VA.

Our buddy, Ovie the Bulldog, was also out in front of the Verizon Center to greet young fans and support the Caps.

A lot of fun and a big Caps win made for a great Kids Day at the Verizon Center!

kids-day8
Langway, Labre and Green sign autographs.
kids-day7
Hundreds of kids and parents waited over an hour and a half to get autographs.
kids-day6
Kids hang out before autographs.
kids-day1
The kids make signs to support the Caps.
kids-day4
Another activity? Hockey!
kids-day5
Coco the Bear visits D.C.
kids-day2
Freedom HS “Soul Squad” marching band under the direction of Charles Di Puma.
kids-day9
Green, who is injured, still had plenty to do before the game.

Barbara Banks

Barbara Ann Banks is a freelance writer out of Rockville, MD.

Related Articles

Check Also
Close
Back to top button