PRINCE FREDERICK, MD — The Washington Capitals didn’t win the Stanley Cup, but still had a season to remember. After missing the playoffs the year before, the Capitals, under rookie head coach Spencer Carbery, weathered much of the adversity that was thrown their way and found a new identity, making the postseason only after winning their final game of the 2023-24 season.
Three of the players key to the team’s comeback year — Charlie Lindgren, Beck Malenstyn, and Connor McMichael — made time for Capitals fans before departing the area for the summer. And they were met by a huge and enthusiastic crowd.
Over 250 fans traveled down to Prince Frederick, Maryland in Southern Maryland on Saturday for Prince Frederick Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM’s 10th Community Appreciation Day.
The event featured an appearance by the Raminator monster truck as well as food and activities. There was a silent auction by Above Average Graphing, featuring many intriguing items. And a two-hour autograph signing by the three Capitals players, including Monumental Sports Network’s Craig Laughlin — a former 30-goal scorer himself for the team.
“It’s wonderful to be part of the dealership as their ambassador as they give back to the community more then any other,” Laughlin said. “I love being part of a group that gives back at all times to many charities. To have three current Caps to be a part of the event is huge as the fan base in South County is amazing.”
He added, “Chucky, Mikey, and Beck were phenomenal as they were very engaged and loved being there.”
The three players took photos with fans, hung out with dogs, and cracked jokes (sometimes at my expense — though that was deserved and was mostly Locker). They even debated who should end up being the new Toronto Maple Leafs coach. Lindgren was clearly touched by the support after having a career year and arguably being the Capitals’ team MVP.
The Prince Frederick dealership, while a decent drive from DC (1 hour), Northern Virginia (1.5 hour), and Central Maryland (2 hours), hosts free and public autograph signings with current and former Capitals players due to its fantastic relationship with Laughlin and Monk Wells of Above Average Graphing. And over the years, many big names have been involved. For its annual toy drive last December, Capitals legends Braden Holtby, Mike Green, and Karl Alzner came out. The crowd was so huge it forced the signing to extend an extra hour due to how many fans showed up.
The 2022 toy drive brought out legendary Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom.
“It was our 10th year doing this free for the community,” Dee Aud, PFCJDR comptroller and event coordinator, said to RMNB. “It’s special having the Caps come down to Southern Maryland. Every time they come, they are surprised by the number of Caps fans here. It says a lot that they stay until the last autograph, last photo has been taken, and always with a smile and thanking fans for coming.
“Above Average Graphing started out on this journey with us 10 years ago bringing Tom Wilson down to Prince Frederick for the first time. Each of our events we pick a local charity and Monk Wells donates the auction profit to them. I really enjoyed watching so many fans packing in at 9 am to get wristbands and grabbing items from his auction display to purchase for Mother’s Day gifts. Who knew?”
Aud also gave props to Laughlin who seemingly makes everyone feel special through his stories, kindness, and enthusiasm (except to me – he told security to lock the doors when I arrived – thankfully they did not oblige).
“We love giving back to our community and do 7 or 8 events each year bringing in celebrities and sports heroes that most people would never have the opportunity to see, much less at no charge,” she said. “That’s what it means to give back to all of us at the dealership. Good things always come back to the giver, and the excitement we see time after time is our greatest reward.”
