Ahead of a back-to-back against the Columbus Blue Jackets and Carolina Hurricanes this past weekend, the Washington Capitals received a day off from Spencer Carbery. But many players ended up at MedStar Capitals Iceplex on Friday and threw on their skates anyway.
Throughout the season, the team will open the rink for players’ significant others and children for a family day, where they can take to the ice for fun and tour the facilities. The Capitals published an Instagram post with many of the hockey-playing dads frolicking with their kids.
However, one player went a slightly different route: Jakob Chychrun.
The first-pairing defenseman can be seen in the Capitals’ eighth Instagram photo above, cradling Bruce Chychrun as he skates around the ice. And while Bruce is as adorable as a smol child, he is not one. Bruce is a puppy.
Chychrun’s pup appears to be a Cane Corso — an Italian breed of mastiff that can be both a companion and guard dog. Cane Corsos are also great at protecting livestock; Chychrun appears to have chickens and other animals back at home.
Bruce appears to be a recent addition to the Chychrun family as he was the size of a palm while posing with Dad during the Capitals Canine Calendar photoshoot held in mid-October.
The two appear to have become quick friends, as evidenced by their trip to get some pumpkins before Halloween.
While Bruce may be small now, he already appears to be a big part of Jakob’s heart.
