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Hockey ‘N Heels 2014 – Still Going Strong

(Event logo courtesy of the Washington Capitals)

With winter firmly on the way, the Washington Capitals are getting their fans into the swing of things in high style.  First, there was the Season Ticket Holder Party at the Zoo last week. Tonight, they hosted their annual (and equally exclusive) Hockey ‘N Heels event for fans of the female persuasion.

As always, it was a fantastic opportunity to meet newer members of the team, pick up a few technical pointers, and rub shoulders with other fans who are often dismissively (and incorrectly) branded members of the pink jersey brigade.

This year, player-mentors included Michael Latta (F), Nate Schmidt (D), and Justin Peters (G).  Tom Wilson (F) was also on-hand, though his role was restricted to off-ice – posing for photos with attendees.  In addition, the coaching staff kicked in a Head Coach, Barry Trotz, to lead a Q & A, and an Assistant Coach, Lane Lambert, who led a discussion on rules of the game.  The crew was rounded out by two Hockey ‘N Heels alumni, Capitals equipment manager Brock Myles and strength and conditioning coach Mark Nemish.

To give credit where it’s due, Scarlet Caps (the promotional branch of the Caps specifically geared towards women) has come a long way from its inception in 2009.  Most notably, over the past year they’ve brought in members of the US Women’s Olympic Hockey Team for interviews, including Julie Chu, Hilary Knight, Jenny Potter.  They also have content about players like Haley Skarupa, a Maryland local who’s currently making waves on the women’s team at Boston College.  It’s a far cry from the simplified FAQ and player bios that first graced the organization’s page, and one that Caps Outsider has been glad to see.

In further good news, it’s becoming clear that good (or at least lucrative) ideas travel within the professional hockey community.  That’s a good thing for female fans, who are consistently ignored as either a sure thing or an insignificant demographic.  While the Caps are far from the only NHL team to host a Hockey ‘N Heels type event (and weren’t the first to start the practice), the concept is now starting to pop up in the AHL as well.  Specifically, the Caps’ AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears, are hosting their second annual Hockey In Heels event next Thursday.  One difference from their NHL cousins is that a portion of the proceeds will be going to the PA Coalition Against Domestic Violence.  If you’re interested, tickets are still available (use promo code HCKYHEELS)!

https://twitter.com/ScarletCaps/status/532708513987194880

https://twitter.com/ScarletCaps/status/532692157929644032

https://twitter.com/ScarletCaps/status/532678462684024832

M. Richter

Em is a fan of hockey first and individual teams second, with geographical ties that cross the NHL. She was born in the Midwest, raised along the East Coast, and graduated from a university in Western Canada. A firm believer in context above all else, and a card-carrying on-ice official with USA Hockey, she splits her time between the big picture and the details. When not covering the AHL and ECHL for Caps Outsider, her photography can be found on Behance and Flickr. She also occasionally chimes in about the Hershey Bears on the Power Play Post Show.

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