Capitals Convention

2014 Caps Convention Cancelled, Gary Bettman Somehow to Blame

Photo: Chris Gordon

For the second time in three years, there will be no Caps Convention this summer. This time, ostensibly, the reason is so that the Caps can devote time and money toward preparations for the 2015 Winter Classic, which the Capitals will likely host at Nationals Park. The news was first reported by Alex Prewitt of The Washington Post.

“This season we are thrilled to be hosting the 2015 Bridgestone Winter Classic on Jan. 1, 2015, and have many exciting events and experiences planned around the event to help celebrate our fabulous fan base,” a Capitals spokesman told The Post in a statement. “Due to this big event, we will be focusing all of our efforts on the Winter Classic and will not hold a Caps Convention.”

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By Chris Gordon 7 years ago

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The 2011 Caps Convention in Photos: Alex Ovechkin Hugs Fans, Mike Green Signs a Baby, and Lots of Smiling Players

Photo credit: Chris Gordon

On Saturday, the Washington Capitals hosted their third annual Capitals Convention. A sold-out crowd of over 6,000 fans descended on the spacious confines of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center to get autographs, pose for photos, and have questions answered by their favorite players.

Ted Leonsis, a mastermind behind the yearly event, was ecstatic for the turn-out. “That we’re able to sell out everything we touch really shows how wonderful the fan support is and my goal is to build a team as good as our fan base,” he said.

And really. What’s not to love? There were so many great moments. A few of our favorites: the Knuble’s Knights got knighted by GM George McPhee, Brooks Laich’s mom Jane participated in “The Support it Takes to Make it to the NHL” panel, and Braden Holtby and Jay Beagle played floor hockey with some kids. And oh yeah, this too.

“Hockey players are so approachable,” Bruce Boudreau said. “They could be walking amongst [the crowd] and they’ll sit down and talk to you. I think it means a lot to [the fans] that they are so human.”

Below are my pictures of from the day including Alex Ovechkin giving out some free hugs, Mike Green signing a baby, and a lot of smiling players — and when I mean a lot, I’m talking some sort of world record.

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By Chris Gordon 10 years ago

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Video: Karl Alzner and John Carlson Answer Kids’ Questions

Photo credit: Kyle M.

After two straight years of being unable to attend, I finally had a chance to experience the Capitals Convention on Saturday. And boy, did I have a good time. Last year, one of the most memorable parts of the event was the Kids Press Conference. Alex Ovechkin, Matt Bradley, and Eric Fehr were grilled by precocious young Caps fans and the players gave some fantastic answers. They even sung Happy Birthday to a little girl in both English and Russian.

So naturally I decided to check out the Kids Conference myself this year, featuring brothers-from-another-mother Karl Alzner and John Carlson. The players answered questions like “What player do you have the most pleasure hitting?” “How do you celebrate a win?” and ‘What’s your favorite animal?”

Below, check out my somewhat not terrible footage of the event from my trusty ol’ Flip Cam.

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By Ian Oland 10 years ago

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