The Washington Capitals announced via press release today the date for their inaugural Capitals Alumni Game, Sept. 23 at Kettler Capitals Iceplex. At the Alumni Game at the Winter Classic last season, Caps fans that made the trip to Pittsburgh were treated to see Caps favorites like Peter Bondra, Craig Laughlin and Don Beaupre lace up their skates once again. Based on the success of that event, the Caps will host their own event in conjunction with the upcoming Capitals Convention.
For long-time fans of the organization, this is a dream come true to see so many former Caps gathered in one place and actually skate again.
Seating is limited at Kettler for the game, so make sure to get your tickets when they go on sale Aug. 24.
Here's the full press release from the team:
Gartner, Bondra and Johansson Highlight Inaugural Caps Alumni Game
Alumni game will kick off Caps Convention weekend on Friday, September 23, at Kettler Capitals Iceplex
ARLINGTON, Va. – The Washington Capitals will host the inaugural Capitals Alumni Game at Kettler Capitals Iceplex on Friday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. The game will include several popular former Capitals players and will kick of the 2011 Capitals Convention weekend festivities.
The game will feature “Team Langway” facing off against “Team Laughlin.” Participating alumni are scheduled to include, Hall of Famer Mike Gartner, former All-Stars Peter Bondra, Don Beaupre and Dennis Maruk as well as former Caps Calle Johansson, Greg Adams, Alan May, Mark Lofthouse, Yvon Labre, Gord Lane, Jason Woolley, John Druce, Sylvain Cote, Paul Mulvey, Alan Hangsleben, Nelson Burton, Errol Rausse, Gary Rissling, and Ken Sabourin.
Recently retired NHL referee Bill McCreary will officiate the game. McCreary began his 25-year NHL officiating career on Nov. 3, 1984 at the Capital Center in Landover, Maryland and picked the Verizon Center to referee his final NHL game on April 2, 2011.
Tickets are $10 with all proceeds benefiting Capitals Charities. You must be a Caps Convention ticket holder to purchase Capitals Alumni Game tickets. Tickets go on sale Aug. 24 at 10 a.m. and are limited and sold on a first-come, first-served basis. A convention ticket does not guarantee an alumni game ticket. To purchase tickets, please visit WashingtonCaps.com.
In addition, the alumni game will be the first opportunity to purchase Caps Convention merchandise. Attendees will also have a chance to pick up their autograph wristbands at the game.
The 2011 Capitals Convention, presented by GEICO, will take place the following day at the Washington Convention Center. The event has been a tremendous success in its first two years, attracting sold-out crowds of more than 6,500 to the day-long interactive and informational celebration of the Capitals, which features the entire roster of current players and a number of prominent alumni.
Upcoming Capitals EventsTuesday, Sept. 20 Baltimore Hockey Classic at 1st Mariner Arena, Baltimore, Md.Friday, Sept. 23 Inaugural Caps Alumni GameSaturday, Sept. 24 2011 Capitals Convention presented by GEICOSaturday, Oct. 8 Opening Night vs. the Carolina Hurricanes
