Washington Capitals defenseman Brooks Orpik will spend much of the 2017-18 season helping two rookie d-men get acclimated to the NHL.
Early Sunday morning, Orpik shared his love of hockey with another group of young players: the American Special Hockey Association’s Nova Cool Cats.
According to the team, one of the parents is friends with Brooks’ wife Erin and arranged the visit. Orpik had been waiting to come out and Sunday ended up being the day. The coaches wanted it to be a big surprise and the players were excited when he first ambled onto the ice.
@ianoland Dude Brooks Orpik volunteering @NOVACoolCats practice before my son's team@kettler Parents said he just showed up! Awesome!#GoCaps
— Max Mitchell (@MaxMitchell222) September 10, 2017
“Special thanks to Brooks Orpik for coming out to practice with us today! Come back and visit us!” the team wrote on Facebook.
Orpik also took pictures and talked to every player. He also signed many of the kids’ jerseys.
In the past, Barry Trotz has volunteered during practice as well as John Carlson.
A BIG shoutout to @JohnCarlson74 for coming to see our kids today at Camp! #hockeyisforeveryone #Camp2017 pic.twitter.com/RxJEdC8UWj
— Nova Cool Cats (@NOVACoolCats) August 25, 2017
Photos: @CoolCatshockey
