Monday afternoon, the Washington Capitals made their annual visit to MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. Donning their red home jerseys and Christmas-themed hats, the players interacted with children, while signing autographs and taking photos.
“It’s just about whatever [kids] want us to do,” John Carlson said to the Capitals about the annual event. “As much or as little as they want us to participate in things. Whatever we can do to bring smiles – that’s our focus.”
The players were split into multiple groups, with some even visiting patients that are currently receiving treatment. Alex Ovechkin, Lars Eller, Brooks Orpik, Devante Smith-Pelly, Dmitrij Jaskin, and Matt Niskanen distributed gifts provided by the Kids Club.
It’s worth noting, Ovechkin, a future Hockey Hall of Famer, wore an elf hat.
Ladies and gentlemen, your Capitals captain: Alex Elfvechkin pic.twitter.com/WUfQppToks
— RMNB (@russianmachine) December 17, 2018
Braden Holtby, Evgeny Kuznetsov, Jonas Siegenthaler, Dmitry Orlov, Pheonix Copley, and John Carlson hung out with children in the hospital’s art clinic. The group drew pictures, played games, and even decorated a Caps-themed gingerbread house. North Pole-native Pheonix Copley took the reigns on decoration duty.
When asked about what he takes away from events such as this, Carlson zeroed in on just how precious life is.
“There’s a lot of fight in these kids that no one else understands what they’re going through unless you’ve been through it yourself,” Carlson continued to the Capitals. “Just the respect and admiration for each and every one of these kids ”
Tom Wilson, Andre Burakovsky, Chandler Stephenson, and Madison Bowey took part in a Flashes of Hope photoshoot with children and their families. Flashes of Hope is a nonprofit that helps raise money for pediatric cancer research and changes the way children with life-threatening illnesses see themselves through photography.
Photos
Photos: Cara Bahniuk
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