Hold it here! Craig Laughlin poses after scoring a tying goal late in the third. (Photo credit: Chris Gordon)
On a crisp Thursday night in Arlington, Virginia, a bunch of former Washington Capitals got together for the team’s first annual intersquad alumni game. Featuring players flying in from as far away as Sweden (Bengt Gustavsson) and Montana (Brendan Witt), the old Caps engaged in a spirited contest. In the end, team red prevailed 6-4 in the shootout.
The Caps have ramped the visibility in recent years, starting with the 2011 Winter Classic alumni game against the Penguins. Now, though, the quality of the players participating is much improved, featuring a Hall of Fame member and a few All Stars. Granted, most of the elite players are part of the team’s current coaching staff (Adam Oates, Olie Kolzig, and Calle Johansson), but Peter Bondra, Rod Langway, Yvon Labre, and even Kevin Kaminski also participated.
Below, take a look at my photos from the night.
‘Sup?
Locker jokes with Caps head coach Adam Oates.
Yvon Labre is introduced to the crowd.
Brendan Witt, still rocking the long locks.
Caleb Green signs the anthem.
Oates skates down the ice.
Kevin “Killer” Kaminski goes down.
Calle Johansson locked in a battle on the boards.
Witt scores, taunts own bench.
Defenseman Olie Kolzig chats with coach Peter Bondra. Wait, what?
Labre crashes the net and scores!
I have no idea what this is.
Alan May high fives a youngin’.
White head coach Rod Langway oversees the action.
Laughing Adam Oates.
Locker stares intently.
Kaminski faces down his opponents on the other bench.
Team red takes the game!
