Wells Warriors of College Park, Md. (Photos by Caps Outsider)
There were plenty of pint-sized Caps fans on hand at the Verizon Center Sunday afternoon as the Caps took on the Philadelphia Flyers. Even though the Caps lost 3-1, the kids were treated to some exciting hockey, and they were on hand to help kickoff Hockey is for Everyone month. HIFE is the official youth development program of the National Hockey League.
For the past 17 years, the NHL has designated February as Hockey is for Everyone month to recognize grassroots hockey and the game’s growing diversity. This unique program teaches children essential life skills and the core values of hockey: Commitment, perseverance and teamwork. Although children are the main focus, the initiative also supports hockey programs that assist disabled military personnel.
James (squirt), Robert (mite), and Connor (squirt) play hockey for Navy Youth Hockey based in Annapolis, Md. (pictured). All three boys love to play hockey and were having a great time at the Verizon Center. Nine year old James loves hockey and is enthusiastic about hockey. “It’s fun and exciting,” he told Capitals Outsider. “I really like to score goals.”
Ten-year-old Krish of Herndon, Va. is learning to play hockey and will probably start playing on a team next year. He was enjoying the Hockey is For Everyone Day with his dad.
“I like playing hockey because it’s our sport,” said Krish referring to his dad (both pictured below). “We can learn to play together and I really like that.”
The Washington Capitals will support and promote Hockey is for Everyone during the month of February with the following events and activities:
Feb. 8 – Hockey is for Everyone Day – Local youth hockey programs will join in the festivities throughout the game.
Feb. 9 – Caps forward Joel Ward and Brooks Orpik will visit Fort Dupont Ice Arena, while Jason Chimera and Matt Niskanen will participate in a Flashes of Hope photo shoot for pediatric cancer patients at Kettler Capitals Iceplex.
Feb. 20 – Caps team up with children’s charity Dreams for Kids, a program for children with physical and developmental disabilities, to host an Extreme Recess Hockey clinic at Kettler Capitals Iceplex. A Caps player (TBD) will visit Ashburn Ice House in Ashburn, Va.
Feb. 20-22 – The Caps will participate in USA Hockey’s Weekend Across America. Feb 20 is “Wear Your Jersey Day”. Feb. 21 is “Try Hockey for Free Day” at hundreds of rinks nationwide and Kids Club Day at Verizon Center. Feb. 22 is “Celebrate Local Hockey Hero’s Day”.
Feb. 23 – The Caps will host a High School Hockey Showcase at the Gardens Ice House in Laurel, MD
Feb. 26 – The Caps will host two free hockey schools in February, including one at Dr. Charles R. Drew Elementary School, the Caps’ adopted school. Caps will donated street hockey equipment to the school.
Hats off to the NHL and the Washington Capitals organization for providing kids with lots of learning and lots of fun!
