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February will be very busy for the Caps as they celebrate Hockey is for Everyone™ month. For the past 19 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 and other adults with special needs.
The Capitals support of Hockey is for Everyone™ includes the following events:
Feb. 1 Chinese Cultural Night
Feb. 3 -March 3 Capitals Cup High School Championships
Feb. 4 Capitals alumnus Clint Malarchuk will participate in a skate with the USA Warriors at Kettler Capitals Iceplex. In addition, The Blind Veterans Association will host Try Blind Hockey at Kettler Capitals Iceplex from 6:30-9:30 p.m., featuring opportunities for the visually impaired.
Feb. 7-9 The Capitals will welcome United Arab Emirates native Fatima Al Ali. Capitals alumnus Peter Bondra met 26-year-old Al Ali while in Abu Dhabi. After noticing her stickhandling, Bondra and the Capitals surprised Al Ali with an invitation to Washington. Al Ali will participate in a ceremonial puck drop on Feb. 9 prior to the Capitals game versus the Detroit Red Wings.
Feb. 10 The Capitals will team up with children’s charity Dreams for Kids to host an Extreme Recess Hockey Clinic at Kettler Capitals Iceplex for children with physical and developmental disabilities
Feb. 11 USA Hockey’s ‘Meet and Shadow the NHL Officials’ program – Prior to the game two local youth referees will be given tickets by the Capitals in recognition of their efforts on-ice.
Feb. 16-19 Junior Women’s Hockey League (JWHL) Challenge Cup at Kettler Capitals Iceplex.
Feb. 19-26 USA Hockey’s Hockey Week Across America, highlighted by Try Hockey for Free Day on Saturday, Feb. 25. Local rinks and associations will have an opportunity to introduce children between the ages of four and nine to youth hockey. A complete list of participating rinks in the Washington, D.C., region will be announced in mid-February. Fans can also visit www.tryhockeyforfree.com or email [email protected] for additional information.
Feb. 24 Hockey is for Everyone™ Night & Wear Your Favorite Hockey Jersey Day
Feb. 26 Celebrate Local Hockey Hero’s Day encourages all involved in the game to develop ways to honor their local hockey heroes.
Feb. 28 Scarlet Caps Learn to Skate Event
For more detailed information about these events, visit the Capitals microsite at WashingtonCaps.com/HIFE.
