WASHINGTON, DC — After finishing a two-week road trip at the end of January, the Washington Capitals returned to a community in mourning. Wednesday night, a crash at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport killed 67 people in the first major commercial plane crash in the United States since 2009.
Passengers on the plane included 14 members of the figure skating community, including several from the DC area, who were returning from US Figure Skating’s National Development Camp in Wichita, Kansas. Local rinks have become the sites for impromptu memorials honoring the skaters lost in the crash, including an ever-growing tribute at MedStar Capitals Iceplex, the Capitals’ training facility.
The Capitals honored the victims of the crash before playing the Winnipeg Jets Saturday night in their first home game since the tragedy.
“The Washington Capitals and Monumental Sports & Entertainment share a profound sorrow following the tragic accident near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on January 29,” said acting PA announcer Byron Hudtloff, who is filling in for Wes Johnson as he recovers from a medical emergency. “Our hearts go out to the families and friends of the victims as well as to everyone affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.
“As a community, we are united in our grief for those directly impacted and for the entire figure skating world that stands together in this time of mourning. Let us come together to honor the lives that were lost and support one another through this difficult time.”
The Capitals also announced Saturday that MedStar Capitals Iceplex will host a private vigil and candlelight skate for members of the Washington Figure Skating Club and the Skating Club of Northern Virginia in honor of those lost.
Immediately after memorializing the victims of the crash Wednesday night, the team honored Shawn Simpson, a former Washington Capitals draft pick, who died Wednesday at the age of 56.
The Capitals drafted Simpson with a third round pick in 1986; though he did not play in the NHL, he spent three seasons with the Baltimore Skipjacks, then the team’s AHL affiliate, and later served in a variety of roles in the organization. He worked for the Capitals as a scout and director of hockey operations and also served as a color commentator for both television and radio.
“The Washington Capitals also mourn the passing of Shawn Simpson and extend our condolences to Shawn’s family, friends, and colleagues,” Hudtloff said. Drafted by the Capitals in 1986, Shawn spent many years in our organization as a player, broadcaster, scout, and director of hockey operations.”
Hudtloff then led attendees in a moment of silence for both Simpson and those lost in the crash, saying, “We encourage everyone to join us in a moment of silence as we pay tribute to those taken from us and reflect on their enduring memory.”
“To those affected, may the happy memories of your loved ones stay in your hearts forever,” Joe Beninati added on the telecast.
The team previously paid their respects on the road Thursday, when the Ottawa Senators also held a moment of silence the night after both the crash and Simpson’s death.
