Capitals head coach Barry Trotz and the team’s top players may still be in Toronto seeking a championship in the World Cup of Hockey, but the rest of the team will soon begin their quest for a different championship, one that comes with an unsanitary silver chalice. On Friday, the team kicks off its training camp for the upcoming NHL campaign. The team announced the full schedule and roster on Wednesday morning.
While players have been skating informally for weeks, the real action is imminent. On Thursday, players will undergo their pre-season physicals and testing. On Friday, the 2016-17 Caps will take the ice for the first time before attending their annual sit-down with reporters.
The initial roster lists 65 players which includes 38 forwards, 19 defensemen, and eight goaltenders. The roster must be trimmed to 23 players by October 11.
Training camp runs 19 days leading up to the NHL regular season, which begins October 12. Washington will start its year off with an away game against the Pittsburgh Penguins one day later.
While Trotz is away helping coach Team Canada at the WCH, associate coach Todd Reirden will run the show.
The full training camp schedule can be viewed here. All on-ice activities are open to the public at Kettler Capitals Iceplex in Arlington.
