Editor’s note: November was a remarkable for the Washington Capitals. Not only because of the team’s success (10 wins in 14 games), but also the mustaches some team members grew. Movember, as it is called, is a month-long charity event to raise awareness for men’s health. Reader Jessica M. shares her story of the Movember party held at Lyon Hall this past Sunday night.

John Carlson poses with Jessica.

Well, this past year has been pretty crappy for me. At 36, I was diagnosed with two different kinds of cancer and underwent four surgeries (including the one that led to the first diagnosis). Thankfully, both tumors were caught early and I am now cancer-free. So I decided to celebrate the hell out of my birthday this year.

My husband Kevin and I had already bought tickets to the Caps/Canes game on the 28th, my birthday– we splurged and got seats four rows off the ice. Now seems like a good time to add that I’ve only once seen a game live that the Caps lost, and that was seven years ago in the pre-Ovi era (I remember because it was on my 30th birthday). So unlike Peter, I have a pretty good record for seeing Caps wins. I have to admit, I was afraid that record was about to go down in flames after the score was tied with 2.2 seconds left to go, but the boys pulled out a win on my birthday! That was present enough right there.

But I had more celebrating to do. We decided at the last minute to get tickets to the Movember party at Lyon Hall. Since I’ve survived cancer this year, it’s become a cause near and dear to my heart. My grandfather died of prostate cancer; my father-in-law thankfully did not, though he did undergo treatment for it. I think it’s really important to raise awareness of certain cancers, both men’s and women’s, that don’t get a lot of attention, so I’m grateful to the Caps for participating in Movember this year. And thanks also to Lyon Hall for hosting the event!

The party featured none other than Jeff Schultz, John Erskine, Karl Alzner, John Carlson, Matt Hendricks and Eric Fehr behind the bar and serving hors d’oeuvres. Either these guys consulted on each other’s wardrobe choices beforehand, or they just dress like lumberjacks normally, but at least half of them were wearing plaid. D.J. King was there too, but he appeared to be there more to party rather than work, sporting an artfully drawn-on ‘stache. Carlson came around to our table and brought us each one of his and Alzner’s signature drink: the Karl and Carly. Described as Canadian whisky with a “minor splash” of Coke, the cocktail was a good-natured poke at the young blueliner who served us alcohol he himself can’t yet legally consume. Carly then promptly spilled the remaining drink on his tray all over the floor. Don’t quit your day job, John!

The highlight of my evening came a while later. I asked our server (the one who actually works for the venue) for a dessert menu, but was slightly too late as the kitchen was closed. I said, “Oh, too bad, I was hoping to get some cake because it’s my birthday.” She smiled and said she would talk to the manager. A few minutes later, I looked up to see her walking over with a slice of chocolate cake, followed by D.J., John and Eric Fehr! I grinned like an idiot while they sang “Happy Birthday” to me, with a big pause in the middle when they all realized they didn’t know my name and waited for Kevin to fill it in. The waitress had had to fend D.J. off of my cake, and he stepped right up and asked for a bite. Of course I shared! I also got to chat a bit with Matt Hendricks, one of my new favorite Caps, and Karl Alzner before heading out. Absolutely the nicest guys you’ll ever meet.

Big thanks to all of the Men of Movember for sporting goofy (and in some cases, creepy – I’m looking at you, Schultzie) facial hair all month for a good cause, and for putting on a kick-ass party. I think (I hope) they had as much fun as I did. Seriously, best birthday ever!

Jessica, thank you dearly for sharing your story and pictures. RMNB wishes you many happy, healthy returns.

Photo Album Photos by Kevin M and Suzanne K.

D.J. King did not serve these burgers. He ate them all. Alone in the corner. Sobbing.

Matt Hendricks displays Minnesotan mixology. Please note the bottle of Hendrick’s Gin. Nice touch.

John Erskine supervises his mustache buddy Karl Alzner in mixing.

Not much an offensive upside on these two D-men, but they sling a mean beer.

Schultz sniffs his ‘stache, and it seems to seriously stink.

Way to ruin the plaid party, Alzner. You’re so not invited to the next sleepover.

Team effort. Karl, pay attention!

Fake mustaches let the ladies (and D.J. King) participate.

BONUS VIDEO: D.J. King, Jeff Schultz, John Erskine take a shot.