Washington Capitals 2018 Stanley Cup champions Nicklas Backstrom, Braden Holtby, and Devante Smith-Pelly, will make a rare public appearance together on Saturday, November 23 as part of a Toys For Tots drive in Prince Frederick, Maryland.
The three champs will sign autographs at Prince Frederick Chrysler Jeep Dodge and will be joined by former Capitals defenseman Karl Alzner and Monumental Sports Network analyst Craig Laughlin. The five legends will sign autographs from 12 pm to 2 pm. (The address is 265 Solomons Island Rd N, Prince Frederick, MD 20678.)
Wristbands for the signing will be given out starting at 9 am to fans who bring either a new toy (worth $25 or more) or a cash donation of at least $75. Each fan with a wristband can get one autograph per player. The proceeds will go to Toys for Tots of Calvert County, Maryland.
Laughlin, along with Dee Aud, the dealership’s comptroller and event coordinator, organized the event. Last year’s toy drive, which was headlined by Holtby and Mike Green, attracted well over 300 people to the dealership.
“To say I’m excited is an understatement!” Aud told RMNB. “This is our 12th year collecting for Toys For Tots Calvert County and it is going to be our largest. There are over 650 children in need that have signed up and growing. It means so much to us to know we have a small part in making a child’s wish come true on Christmas morning.”
The head of Toys For Tots Calvert County, Brenda King, will attend helping collect toys along with several Marines. Not only is the event for a great cause, but it will bring together five special players in Caps lore together.
The beloved Backstrom, who made a formidable one-two punch with Alex Ovechkin, is the greatest center in team history, notching a franchise-best 762 assists. Backstrom could (and should) make the Hockey Hall of Fame when he’s eligible.
Holtby, arguably the greatest Capitals goaltender in franchise history, spent 10 seasons with the Caps and helped lead Washington to its first and only championship in 2018. Celebrated for making The Save late in Game Two of the Stanley Cup Final, Holtby led the Capitals to four consecutive wins over the Vegas Golden Knights which sealed the Cup victory.
Smith-Pelly scored the game-tying goal in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final as he was falling to the ice. His legendary performance during that playoff run — lighting the lamp seven different times — cemented his legendary status in DC forever. DSP now serves as a Monumental Sports Network analyst on the network’s postgame show.
Alzner, the fifth overall pick in the 2007 NHL Draft, formed a powerful pairing with John Carlson during his 9 seasons with the Capitals. The rearguard remains a big part of the community, frequently holding events to raise money for youth sports through his foundation.
Laughlin helped revitalize the franchise as part of the Rod Langway trade to Washington. Since his career ended, he’s dedicated his life making the Capitals must-watch television and making the area a sincere hockey town.
“The players are amazing responding each year to sit for hours signing autographs and making fans dreams come true!” Aud said. “You couldn’t ask for a better lineup who give of their time so selflessly to help us. We are grateful to have them along with our partners at Above Average Graphing who set up an amazing silent auction with one of a kind gifts. We are over the moon to offer this celebrity Toys4Tots event for our community.”
Local firefighter Monk Wells of Above Average Graphing will also donate his time and hold a silent auction at the event, which always features unique sports memorabilia.
Food trucks from Judy’s Food Express and Gato Tacos will be on hand to feed fans, while a Game Truck and Christmas Combo Bounce House will provide entertainment. Star 98.3’s T-Bone and Heather will also broadcast live from the event.
