A new tradition came to the area on Sunday at Kettler Capitals Iceplex. It’s a charity hockey game between the USA Warriors and hockey media members, with the proceeds going to the USA Warriors.
With plenty of fans in the stands (including Dmitri Orlov, who ma have been there for other reasons), Caps PA maestro Wes Johnson announced the lineup and Bob McDonald sang the national anthem. After a ceremonial puck drop, the fun began.
Both goalies played strong in the scoreless first period, as everybody was getting a feel for the game. The Warriors scored almost immediately after the second period puck drop, and the media team responded almost immediately after. The Warriors then scored two unanswered goals.
Then Comcast’s Craig Laughlin stepped up, scoring to cut the Warriors’ lead in half. That was the first of four straight media goals, as they took a 5-3 lead with less than three minutes to go.
In just over a minute and a half, the Warriors struck twice to tie the game, sending it to a shootout. After four scoreless rounds, the Warriors scored and and held on for the 6-5 victory.
The USA Warriors hockey team is a fantastic program for our veterans. One of the players who truly inspired me was Mike Cain, who lost both of his legs. Just seeing him out there skating was truly inspiring. That is why the biggest thing we can do is keep programs like this alive. I cannot wait for next year when there is another game.
Thank you again to the USA Warriors for everything you do and for coming out.
The hockey media team included Caps Outsider’s Ben Sumner, Comcast’s Craig Laughlin and Courtney Laughlin, Caps radio’s Ken Sabourin, Japers Rinks’ Rob Parker Jr. and Brendan Sheridan, Ted Starkey, WNST’s Ed Frankovic, Pens Initiative’s Chris Barron, Sports Journey’s William Hirsch, RMNB’s Patrick Holden, Puck Buddys’ Jason Rogers, and from the South Carolina Stingrays, Nicholas Case.
See more photos here.
Thanks @orlov_09 for taking the time to take this picture. Good luck this year. pic.twitter.com/hqI3xotByp
— Brandon Alter (@brandon__alter) August 30, 2015
