Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic

Wish comes true for Alex Ovechkin fan, Nate ‘The Gr8′ Wessel, as he becomes honorary Capitals’ starter

The wish of 14-year-old Nate Wessel officially came true as the Washington Capitals faced the New Jersey Devils on Thursday night.

After signing a two-day contract and practicing with the team on Wednesday, the youth hockey player joined the team on the ice at Capital One Arena as one of its honorary starters.

Nate was born with a heart condition and had three open-heart surgeries as a kid. A player for the Howard Huskies and his junior varsity team in high school, Nate’s dream was to be a Washington Capitals player.

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By Katie Adler 9 months ago

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Alex Ovechkin and Capitals grant 14-year-old Nate Wessel’s wish, sign youth hockey player to two-day contract

Although the trade deadline passed last week, the Capitals found a way to make another late-season addition to their roster.

Fourteen-year-old Nate Wessel, from Glenwood, Maryland, signed a two-day contract with the team on Wednesday after having his wish granted by the Capitals, his favorite player Alex Ovechkin, and Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic.

Nate was born with a heart condition and has undergone three open-heart surgeries. But he hasn’t let that stop him from his dreams. Despite his medical issues, he plays hockey and suits up for the Howard Huskies.

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By Katie Adler 9 months ago

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Liam Reigel joins Capitals for Make-a-Wish skate, scores goal on Darcy Kuemper with play-by-play from Joe Beninati

On Monday, the Capitals partnered with Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic to bring a little bit of magic to the ice, welcoming Liam Reigel to MedStar Capitals Iceplex.

Reigel, who hails from Eldersburg, Maryland, met with his favorite player Lars Eller, then laced up his skates and joined the rest of the team for the end of practice.

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By Katie Adler 9 months ago

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Tom Wilson records special message for Wish Kids whose wishes are on hold right now

The coronavirus pandemic has closed businesses and mandated shelter in place orders. Schools have been closed, sports leagues have been suspended, and many workers have been left unemployed.

The outbreak has also affected local nonprofits such as Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic, whose offices were recently forced to close. The organization, on average, grants 375 wishes per year, but almost all of these wishes involve air travel or large group settings, meaning they can’t happen right now.

Knowing this, Tom Wilson recorded a video message for any of the kids who might be bummed out. He also bought activities for all the kids whose wishes are waiting to pass the time at home or in the hospital.

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By Ian Oland 4 years ago

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Capitals ‘Wish Upon A Par’ charity event to be held January 20, 2020

Monday morning, the Capitals announced that they will host their third annual TopGolf charity event, Wish Upon a Par on Monday, January 20 at TopGolf National Harbor from 2-7 PM.

General admission tickets are now on sale which include a meet & greet session with all attending Caps players, three and a half hours of play, food and non-alcoholic beverages, two drink tickets for beer/wine, access to a silent auction, and an event t-shirt.

The event is hosted and organized by Erin & Brooks Orpik, Tom Wilson, and Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic.

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By Rachel Cohen 4 years ago

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The honorary starters of today’s Capitals’ Hockey Fights Cancer game were all Wish Kids

Today is Hockey Fights Cancer day in the NHL, the day when the whole league sports purple to raise awareness and money for cancer-fighting causes.

Prior to the Canucks game in DC, the Washington Capitals starting lineup served as escorts for a very special group of youngsters dealing with cancer.

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By Ian Oland 4 years ago

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Tom Wilson receives a ‘thank you’ from Make-A-Wish kids he’s hosted this season

Capitals forward Tom Wilson has had a busy season. In addition to racking up the first 22-goal season of his career, he’s also been bringing hope and joy to critically-ill kids from Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic through his initiative “Forty Three’s Friends”.

Wilson brought 20 kids who are waiting for their wish to be granted by Make-a-Wish, along with their families, to a Capitals home game. He made sure they had a one-of-a-kind VIP experience by providing free tickets for them and their families, giving them a tour of the locker room, and handing out some signed sticks.

As the regular season comes to a close, Forty Three’s twenty new friends wanted to show their appreciation. Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic put together a compilation of these courageous kiddos saying thanks, cheering on the Capitals, and, most importantly, smiling from ear to ear.

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By Brennin Weiswerda 5 years ago

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Tom Wilson brings Make-A-Wish child to Capitals game through his ‘Forty Three’s Friends’ initiative

Tom Wilson came up with the idea for his initiative, called Forty Three’s Friends, last summer, supporting twenty Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic families this season as the children wait for their Wishes.

The 24-year-old winger donates tickets to critically-ill children and their families, meets with them after games, and gives them a tour of the Capitals’ locker room.

“The kids that are here are going through a tough time,” said Wilson. “It goes a long way that they can come, enjoy a night with the Capitals and spend it with us, come and see the locker room and stuff. They’re such great kids, we just try to have fun when they come here.”

Five-year-old Avery Cole, a cancer survivor who recently finished chemotherapy, was in attendance for the Capitals’ win over the Hurricanes on Tuesday night and was eager to meet Wilson after.

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By Brennin Weiswerda 5 years ago

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Capitals ‘Wish Upon A Par’ charity event to be held January 13

Tuesday morning, the Capitals announced that they will host their third annual TopGolf charity event, Wish Upon a Par on January 13 at TopGolf Loudoun from 2-7 pm.

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By Rachel Cohen 5 years ago

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