Saturday night at the Verizon Center, fans saw the Caps play down-and-dirty hockey against their former division rivals the Tampa Bay Lightning and chalk up a big win (4-2) which included a Nicklas Backstrom hat trick. They also had the opportunity to stop by the Monumental Sports and Entertainment table located outside section 104 on the main concourse to Pick-a-Stick. For $75, fans could choose a signed Washington Capitals hockey stick from a line-up of 250 sticks, all in the name of charity. All of the sticks were signed by a Caps player except for five special unsigned sticks. The five lucky fans that chose those sticks had the opportunity to meet Caps defenseman Brooks Orpik (who was the Honest Abe player of the game) and have him sign it personally after the game.
Season ticket holders Jenn Reines and her fiancé Tracey Fones were anxious to Pick-A-Stick. “It’s a good cause and I wanted to support the charity,” said Reines.
“Donations are always good,” said Nick Andrews with his new Carlson stick. “I think the fans get a lot out of it, too.”
The Pick-a-Stick program benefits The Monumental Sports and Entertainment Foundation which supports the charitable efforts of the Capitals (Caps Care), Mystics and Wizards throughout the Washington metropolitan area. Ted Leonsis is the founder, chairman, majority owner and CEO of Monumental Sports and Entertainment.
After the game, Orpik spoke exclusively to Capitals Outsider as to the importance of meeting with fans for occasions like Pick-A-Stick.
“There’s no league if there’s no fans. Fans drive the game and drive revenue,” said Orpik. “I grew up a fan of the game. When I see the fans, I reflect back on my youth and the guys that played the game that took time for me. It’s our duty, our responsibility.”
This annual campaign is one of the many Caps Care programs. Last season, Pick-a-Stick raised $21,225. The Washington Capitals organization is dedicated to supporting local charities and nonprofit organizations through fundraisers and the donation of Caps memorabilia.
This year’s big winners were Jim Price, Max Wolpoff, Cambria Baylor and Lee Rosner. Only four winning sticks were chosen this year.
