Little Caps

Ryan Leibold grew up a Washington Capitals fan. Now he’s playing in the team’s organization. His ‘OMG’ moment was meeting Nicklas Backstrom.

Plenty of kids dream about joining their favorite NHL team, but far fewer actually make it happen.

Ashburn, Virginia native Ryan Leibold was one of the lucky ones on Saturday, donning the crest of his hometown team at the start of Capitals’ Rookie Camp

Leibold, 24, grew up a huge Washington Capitals fan during the Alex Ovechkin era and played on the team’s Little Caps program as a teenager.

Even as he pursues a pro career of his own, Leibold admitted he was still in awe upon meeting one of his childhood idols. The forward prospect spent much of the summer in the area, participating in Development Camp in July and training at MedStar Capitals Iceplex during the summer. After so much time around the team, most of the jitters had gone away.

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By Katie Adler 7 days ago

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Capitals reportedly sign Alex Limoges, a Virginia native and former Little Cap, to one-year contract

The Washington Capitals are reportedly set to add Winchester, Virginia native and former Little Cap, Alex Limoges, to their organization according to Illegal Curve Hockey’s Dave Minuk.

Limoges, who played four years at Penn State in the Big-10, will sign a one-year contract after not being tendered a qualifying offer by the Winnipeg Jets. The 25-year-old forward led the AHL’s Manitoba Moose in scoring last season with 54 points (20g, 34a) in 63 games.

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By Chris Cerullo 3 months ago

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Duante’ Abercrombie, a Fort Dupont Cannons player and Little Caps coach, hired by Toronto Maple Leafs

Hockey coach Duante’ Abercrombie has been involved in the local DC, Maryland, and Virginia hockey scene since he was just six years old. Abercrombie started as a player for the Fort Dupont Cannons. Over the last 14 years, Abercrombie’s coaching resume has grown long and impressive. He was entering his fourth year as an Assistant Coach at Stevenson University, his fifth year coaching the Washington Little Caps (U16AAA & u18AAA), and his seventh season at Georgetown Preparatory School.

Tuesday, Abercrombie announced that he’s taking the next step in his coaching journey and it’s a big one. Abercrombie was hired by the Toronto Maple Leafs to work as a Coaching Development Associate.

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By Chris Cerullo 1 year ago

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Hershey Bears sign Maryland native and former Little Cap, Sam Anas, to one-year AHL contract

The Hershey Bears announced Monday afternoon that they have signed forward Sam Anas to a one-year AHL contract for the 2022-23 season.

Anas is a Potomac, Maryland native and participated in both the Washington Little Caps and Team Maryland programs as a youth player. After two years in the USHL with the Youngstown Phantoms and three more years playing college hockey at Quinnipiac University, he made his professional debut in the AHL with the Iowa Wild during the 2016-17 season.

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By Chris Cerullo 1 year ago

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Full circle: Caps’ skating coach posts photos of Joe Snively training at MedStar Capitals Iceplex from over a decade ago

Virginia native Joe Snively has come a long way from his days as a Little Capital. The 23-year-old forward begins his two-year, entry-level contract with the Washington Capitals organization this season.

Hours before Snively’s first big camp as a Capital, Wendy Marco — a local prominent skating coach who trains many current Capitals players — posted some throwback photos of Snively, working out with Capitals strength coach Mark Nemish.

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By Brennin Weiswerda and Donya Abramo 4 years ago

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