Capitals Skate With Hockey Fights Cancer Kids; Wilson & More Attend

ARLINGTON, V.A. — After practice on Sunday, the Washington Capitals kept their gear on, but traded the jerseys and sticks for “Hockey Fights Cancer” hoodies and beanies as they met and skated with about 45 Hockey Fights Cancer kids.

Washington hosted its first “Hockey Fights Cancer” skate since the COVID-19 pandemic on Sunday, welcoming children and families from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic and Pancreatic Cancer Action Network to MedStar Capitals Iceplex. The team is hosting Hockey Fights Cancer night on Nov. 19 against the Colorado Avalanche.

“I mean, it’s awesome. We obviously get to play hockey for a living and enjoy these nice things. It’s nice to get humbled a little bit when people like this come around and you’re able to hang out with them and see the courage and strength that these kids have,” Conor Sheary said. “It’s pretty amazing.”

Players got to spend time with several kids in the locker room following the skate. Evgeny Kuznetsov gave one girl, Naomi, his helmet for the skate and also spent time with her and her family post-skate. Meanwhile, Darcy Kuemper spent time with and skated with a boy named Owen and gave him one of his goalie sticks.

Kuemper also gave Owen, one of the Hockey Fights Cancer kids, his stick.

Said it’s probably best not to use it in the basement. pic.twitter.com/xsGhWNNt7W

— Sammi Silber (@sammisilber) November 6, 2022

Johansson meeting with some more kids here. pic.twitter.com/oncc7TXY9X

— Sammi Silber (@sammisilber) November 6, 2022

In addition to players skating, several injured Capitals also took the time to appear and hang out with kids and family at the rink during the event. Injured players Nicklas Backstrom, Tom Wilson, T.J. Oshie and Carl Hagelin were all in attendance, talking to fans, taking pictures and signing autographs, but did not skate.

Tom Wilson, Nicklas Backstrom and Carl Hagelin are also here to hang out. pic.twitter.com/2wk8XNiX6i

— Sammi Silber (@sammisilber) November 6, 2022

On the ice, the players helped families and kids get used to skating, showing them step-by-step how to skate, holding their hands and also using the sled trainers. They also gave some pointers when it comes to playing hockey.

Capitals skating with Hockey Fights Cancer kids. pic.twitter.com/51Q2Kdz4Z5

— Sammi Silber (@sammisilber) November 6, 2022

Marcus Johansson also helping some Hockey Fights Cancer kids with their hockey skills 🏒 #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/rLLBjBYW49

— Sammi Silber (@sammisilber) November 6, 2022

Alex Ovechkin also got to skate with his son, Sergei, prior to the HFC skate, and Nick Jensen got to skate with his son, Lorenzo.

Here’s a gallery featuring scenes from the skate: