(D.Nichols/Caps News Network)

Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson threw out the honorary first pitch before the first game of a doubleheader between the Washington Nationals and Los Angeles Dodgers Thursday afternoon.  Luckily for all, there was a long enough break in the rain, at least downtown, for the event to not get washed out.

Carlson spoke to a few reporters from the press box high atop Nationals Park after the ceremony about his experience, the upcoming NHL season, and recent tragedies that have affected the hockey community.

Asked if he'd ever done anything like that, Carlson replied, "No.  I've played baseball but never at that length, from the mound.  It was interesting.  It was fun."

Joking on if his pitch was a strike, Carlson laughed.  "It was inside, right on the plate.  It was looking pretty daunting once I got up there [on the pitching mound], but once I threw it I was decently happy with it."

"I was most happy when it was over with," he kidded about the pressure of being on a Major League pitcher's mound, "But it was fun."

(C.Nichols/Caps News Network)

On trying his hand in a sport without skates on his feet, Carlson responded, "It's different.  I played soccer this summer too [in Mia Hamm's charity event] and that's a change of pace for me. I'd never played soccer.  That's what everyone says about something like that, but what if they get on the ice?  It's a different story then."

Nats relief pitcher Collin Balester, a southern California native, was Carlson's catcher, and made a point to mention to him that he was a big Anaheim Ducks fan as they made their way off the field. Nats relief pitcher Tyler Clippard is also a big hockey fan and roots for the Tampa Bay Lightning. "They're big hockey fans.  You can't expect everyone to be from Washington," Carlson rationalized.

The Caps and Nats have done quite a bit of cross-promotion over the years, and Carlson thinks it's good that the D.C. teams support each other.  "It's great.  It's great to meet them, it's great that all the D.C. sports [athletes] intermingle and I think that I've seen them all at our games now and I love coming out to [Nats] games, I love going to Redskins games and D.C. United.  It's great to see all different types of sports and all these elite athletes."

With training camp a little over a week away, Carlson's excited to get back with his teammates -- returning ones and the new additions.  "It's gonna be exciting.  It's gonna be different.  I'm looking forward to a new season and a new team, too."

"Our mindset right now is first off getting to camp, working our hardest as a team, to get to where we need to be for the first game of the season."

The Caps have added several new players to their mix, so this year's training camp is going to have a little bit different feel to it.  "It's gonna take a while for us all to get used to each other," Carlson said. "They're all great players -- all of the new guys.  I'm really excited to have them on the team and it's gonna be fun."

The mood turned serious for a few moments when Carlson reflected on Wednesday's tragedy in Russia, as a plane carrying the team of KHL's Lokomotiv Yaroslavl to their season-opening game crashed just after take-off, killing all but two passengers.  "The hockey world is fairly small, I think, and instances like this, people are affected.  It was kind of a gloomy day outside too and [the weather] seemed like it just fit right in with the mood.  You never want to hear about something like that and when you talk about it being the whole team, it's just terrible news. Everybody around was affected by it."

The event in Russia adds to a particularly sad off-season in the hockey world, with three NHL players and a minor league player all passing this summer.  Carlson tried to accentuate the positive as the hockey world, a tight-knit community to begin with, has become even closer under the trying circumstances.  "You see all the support from everyone which is good.  Everyone's kind of rallying around each other to stay with it and try to figure some of these things out, and also to mourn the loss of people, and now [Lokomotiv]... It's devastating. But you have to look at is and see what the problem is and go from there."

Updated with Video of First Pitch:

Capitals Announce Rookie Camp Schedule and Roster

Every practice open and free to the public

ARLINGTON, Va. – Capitals rookies will take to the ice at Kettler Capitals Iceplex next week for the 2011 Washington Capitals rookie camp, vice president and general manager George McPhee announced today.

Several players will participate in rookie camp, which begins Sunday, Sept. 11, with a 10:30 a.m. practice and runs through Thursday, Sept. 15, when the Caps rookies face off against the Philadelphia Flyers’ rookies at 5 p.m. at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.

The public is welcome to attend every practice, free of charge, beginning Sunday, Sept. 11.

Head coach Bruce Boudreau and players will be made available to the media following the on-ice session of each day (approximate times listed on the next page). Please make player requests to a member of the Caps media relations staff.

Note: A complete rookie camp roster and schedule follows on the next page. Veterans will report to training camp on Friday, Sept. 16 for physicals and fitness testing. The first practice session and media availability will take place on Saturday, Sept. 17 at Kettler Capitals Iceplex. A training camp roster and schedule will be released at a later date.

2011 Washington Capitals Rookie Camp Roster - Click here

Numerical Roster

31    Philipp Grubauer.......... G

33    Mattias Sjogren............ C/RW

40    Steffen Soberg.............. G

47    Scott Wietecha............. D

49    Stanislav Galiev........... C/LW

50    Cody Eakin................... C/LW

54    Danick Paquette........... RW

61    Mitch Elliot.................... LW

63    Garrett Ross................. LW

65    Samuel Carrier.............. D

66    Dustin Stevenson......... D

68    Brett Flemming............. D

73    Luke Lockhart............... RW

76    Garrett Mitchell............. RW

78    Brandon Anderson...... G

81    Dmitry Orlov................. D

87    Samuel Henley.............. LW

88    Reid Edmondson......... F

89    David De Kastrozza...... RW/LW

94    Jimmy Oligny............... D

95    Thomas Frazee............. C

96    Taylor Stefishen........... LW

97    Tyler Ludwig................. D

98    Nick Tabisz................... D

Rosters as of Sept. 7, 2011
* Amateur Tryout Agreement

Photos from the Press Conference:

All Photos ©Cheryl Nichols Photography/CapsNewsNetwork

New Voice of Washington Capitals John Walton

Alex Ovechkin speaking to media

CEO Bauer Hockey Kevin Davis

Caps Care donated $25,000 to Potomac Valley Amateur Hockey Association

Ovechkin, Davis and George McPhee with the kids from PVAHA

Alex offered up his stool to Ted Leonsis and Ted declined

Ovi and Ted

Bauer equipment in front of stage and podium

Bauer skates

Official Press Release:

ALEX OVECHKIN SIGNS LONG-TERM

GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP WITH BAUER HOCKEY

Capitals Captain Also Teams Up with Leading Manufacturer to Donate Equipment to Youth Programs in Washington and Moscow to Encourage Participation

WASHINGTON – September 6, 2011 – Bauer Performance Sports (TSX: BAU) and Bauer Hockey, Inc. today announced that Washington Capitals star captain Alex Ovechkin has joined the company’s roster of athletes, becoming the latest elite player to ink an official endorsement deal with the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of hockey equipment. Ovechkin has signed a long-term deal with the company and will exclusively wear Bauer on-ice equipment beginning this season.

Bauer Hockey and Ovechkin have also teamed up to donate 108 sets of equipment to the Kettler Capitals Iceplex and the Potomac Valley Amateur Hockey Association in Washington as well as 108 sets of equipment to the Dynamo Hockey School in Alex’s hometown of Moscow, Russia.

“I am very excited to play with Bauer. This is a great step forward for me as a player,” Ovechkin said. “I’m also very pleased to work with Bauer to give back to kids in Washington and Russia because that is very important to me and my family.”

Considered by many as the most exciting player in hockey, Ovechkin has scored 301 goals and 313 assists in just 475 career NHL games. The Capitals captain has earned the Hart Memorial Trophy as the league’s Most Valuable Player twice in his six-year career and has also led the league in goals in two separate seasons, taking home the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy in 2008 and 2009. Ovechkin also earned the Art Ross Trophy for the league’s top-point scorer in 2008 with 112 points, the Calder Memorial Trophy (top rookie) in 2006, and has earned the Ted Lindsay Award (formerly the Lester B. Pearson Award) as the league’s Most Outstanding Player three times (2008, 2009, 2010). The 25-year-old is also the only player in league history to be named to the NHL First All-Star Team in each of his first five seasons.

Ovechkin will be featured in Bauer Hockey’s global advertising efforts, including the soon-to-be unveiled Bauer Vapor APX stick campaign. In addition, as an icon in his hometown of Moscow, Ovechkin will play a key role in Bauer Hockey’s overall growth strategy in the expanding Russian and Eastern European markets.

“Alex is obviously one of the greatest players to ever play the game and has an unparalleled passion, commitment and desire to win,” said Kevin Davis, President and Chief Executive Office, Bauer Hockey. “There are very few athletes in any sport that have his ability to influence players throughout the world and he will be an instrumental partner for us as we look to expand our business in key emerging markets.”

In addition to his significant marketing presence, Ovechkin will also work closely with Bauer’s product development team to provide insight and feedback into future product direction. Ovechkin joins an already-impressive roster of Bauer athletes that includes teammate Nicklas Backstrom as well as Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Steven Stamkos, Henrik Lundqvist, Eric Staal, Mike Richards and Ryan Kessler to name just a few.

For more information, visit www.Bauer.com


ABOUT BAUER HOCKEY
Bauer Hockey is the world's most recognized designer, marketer and manufacturer of hockey equipment. Founded in Kitchener, Ontario in 1927, Bauer developed the first skate with a blade attached to a boot, forever changing the game of hockey. Since then, Bauer has continued to develop the most sought after products in the industry, including the widely successful Supreme ® and Vapor ® lines of products. Bauer Hockey, Maverik Lacrosse and Mission Roller Hockey are brands under Bauer Performance Sports, a publically traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BAU).

ABOUT BAUER PERFORMANCE SPORTS
Bauer Performance Sports Ltd. (TSX: BAU) is a leading developer and manufacturer of ice hockey, roller hockey, and lacrosse equipment as well as related apparel. The company has the most recognized and strongest brand in the ice hockey equipment industry, and holds the top market share position in both ice and roller hockey. Its products are marketed under the Bauer Hockey, Mission Roller Hockey and Maverik Lacrosse brand names and are distributed by sales representatives and independent distributors throughout the world. Bauer Performance Sports is focused on building its leadership position and growing market share in all product categories through continued innovation at every level. www.bauerperformancesports.com

First Matt Bradley.  Then David Steckel.  Who's next, Andrew Gordon?

Reporters caught up with David Steckel this morning, who was at Kettler getting some skating in with former teammates.  While Stecks didn't really add anything to Bradley's comments of a couple weeks ago criticizing Alexander Semin, he certainly didn't disagree with anything Bradley said.  “It's not like he went out and told lies,” Steckel told the gathered media.

I didn't find Steckel's comments to be inflammatory, not in the nature that Bradley's were.  Steckel was prompted by whatever media were present to comment on the situation and he gave an honest appraisal.  He could have simply said, "No comment," but the people that are roasting Steckel on the message boards and on Twitter this morning for saying anything probably would have roasted him for saying nothing.

For me, this is what it amounts to: nothing.  Everyone -- the team, fans, media, league, his national team coaches, everyone -- knows who Alexander Semin is.  He's the great enigma, able to dominate or disappear from games seemingly at whim.  He also brings a lot of criticism on himself by not talking to the media, and when he does so only in his native language, sheltered from harsh questioning by the language barrier. 

It's entirely possible the wall Semin surrounds himself with is contributing to the new-found criticism by former teammates as well.  It might even be a subconscious thing, but it's a lot easier to make comments about a guy you know won't defend himself.

The Capitals remain convinced that Semin's talent and production is worth the expense and effort to reveal that talent.  Maybe that opinion will change some day.  But what appears certain won't change is Alexander Semin.

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 Events

Tuesday, Sept. 20 Baltimore Hockey Classic at 1st Mariner Arena, Baltimore, Md.

Friday, Sept. 23 Inaugural Caps Alumni Game

Saturday, Sept. 24 2011 Capitals Convention presented by GEICO

Saturday, Oct. 8 Opening Night vs. the Carolina Hurricanes

In conjunction with my blogger brethren Adam Vingan of Kings of Leonsis, we present a point-counterpoint on which new member of the Washington Capitals in under the most pressure this upcoming season.  Adam thinks winger Joel Ward has a target on his back, I think it's veteran goalie Tomas Vokoun. 

Later this week we'll take a look at which veteran Caps player fits that description.  As always, your comments and debate are welcome in the comments section.  Which of the new Caps do you think is under the most pressure to succeed this season?

_______________________________________________

On the surface, it might not look like Tomas Vokoun has anything to prove. A ninth round pick in the 1994 entry draft, Vokoun, 35, has been proving himself his entire career. He has posted 262 wins in parts of 13 seasons in his NHL career with a robust .917 save percentage and 2.56 goals against average in 632 career games. Last season, playing for one of the worst teams in the league, he finished sixth in shutouts and tenth in save percentage, facing the 11th most shots of any goaltender. Not bad for the 226th overall selection in 1994 -- it must have been a deep draft.

Vokoun has been the best player on some pretty bad teams his entire NHL career, toiling in Nashville from 1998 to 2007, then backstopping the mostly woeful Florida Panthers for the last four seasons. His 11 career playoff games can attest to the lousiness of the teams he's had to play for. He's tasted glory representing his homeland of the Czech Republic, guiding them in World Cup play and two Olympics, but he's never had the chance to play for a championship on any level. Presumably, the plan is to rectify that this season.

The microscope will not only be on Vokoun the player, but also the very idea that the Caps (finally, in some eyes) went out and acquired a "No. 1 goalie". Since Olie Kolzig left the organization as a player following the 2007-08 season, the Caps relied first on Jose Theodore, but quickly turned to their pair of homegrown baby goalies, Semyon Varlamov and Michal Neuvirth. When GM George McPhee traded Varlamov to Colorado in July, McPhee announced they were perfectly happy going into the season with Neuvirth -- who carried this team much of last season -- and Braden Holtby, another raw, but extremely talented, home-schooled netminder. But then, Vokoun fell into McPhee's lap during the free agency period, accepting a much-below market one-year deal to join the perennially contending Caps.

Vokoun automatically becomes the No. 1 goalie in D.C. His experience, reputation and success in the league on poor clubs dictates that he'll be "the man" between the pipes this season, with Neuvirth garnering 20-25 starts and Holtby learning to control his emotions and honing his craft in Hershey, under the tutelage of the former player he most resembles -- Kolzig -- back in the fold at Kettler as the newly appointed Associate Goaltender Coach. But playing time is not assumed. Vokoun must keep Neuvirth and Holtby at bey while being a mentor and leading the team, all at the same time.

The Capitals are past the expectation phase of their development with the fan base and around the league. McPhee made significant changes to the lineup, adding grit and strength -- especially on the wings -- and this team now has the label of "Stanley Cup or bust" tattooed on their foreheads. Vokoun not only is under pressure to perform and succeed for his current employer, but at 35 years of age, Vokoun will be auditioning for what will most likely be his last good contract next off-season. A Stanley Cup would certainly be the crowning achievement on his resume and whether he is to stay in D.C. or take his services elsewhere, a long playoff run could add a zero to the end of the salary portion of his contract.

Hockey in July? Yes, definitely. I think it is safe to say that the DC area is a "hockey town." There were an estimated 3000 fans at Kettler Iceplex to watch the Washington Capitals Development Camp wrap up on Saturday, July 16, 2011 with an intrasquad scrimmage and Fan Fest. [DevCampGuide]

Head Coach Bruce Boudreau and GM George McPhee addressed the media after the scrimmage as well as several prospects. 

Team A (Red) won 5-2 over Team B (White). The following photographs visually summarize the scrimmage. 

All Photos 2011 © Cheryl Nichols/Caps News Network. All Rights Reserved.

TALKING TO THE MEDIA:

Vice President & GM George McPhee

Head Coach Bruce Boudreau

Forward Cody Eakin

Forward Danick Paquette

Forward Mattias Sjogren

Goalie Philipp Grubauer

Forward Garrett Mitchell

Goalie Brandon Anderson

Defenseman Scott Wietecha

Forward Travis Boyd

Forward Stanislav Galiev

Defenseman Dmitri Orlov

GROUP A:

Forwards: Cody Eakin, Pat Mullane, Luke Lockhart, Garrett Mitchell, Michael Collins, David Civitarese, Andrew Cherniwchan, Samuel Henley, Chase Grant, Dmitry Kugryshev, Thomas Frazee, Taylor Stefishmen.

Defensemen: Garrett Haar, Patrick Koudys, Luke Eibler, Patrick Wey, Samuel Carrier, Dustin Stevenson, Wade Epp, Jimmy Oligny.

Goalies: Philipp Grubauer and Steffen Soberg


GROUP B:

Forwards: Mattias Sjogren, Brock Montpetit, Danick Paquette, Stanislav Galiev, Travis Boyd, Greg Burke, Mitch Elliot, Garrett Ross, Cameron Burt, Caleb Herbert, Aaron Schmit, T.J. Syner, Reid Edmondson, Adam Mitchell.

Defensemen: Brett Flemming, Scott Wietecha, Conor Allen, Mike Boivin, Kyle Follmer, Dmitri Orlov, Karl Stollery, Nick Tabisz.

Goalies: Brandon Anderson and Jacob Gervais-Chouinard

Stevenson and Schmit Fight

Wes Johnson fired up the crowd after scrimmage

All Photos 2011 © Cheryl Nichols/Caps News Network. All Rights Reserved.