Capitals Players, Coach Visit Local School

Two Washington Capitals players and an assistant coach for the D.C. hockey team visited Signal Hill Elementary School in Manassas Wednesday as part of the Capital Hockey School Program.

The meeting took place in the school’s gym, which was decorated with posters welcoming the players and supporting the professional hockey team.

Principal Cindy Wrenn said the event was put in motion by Physical Education Teacher Robert Chase who found out about the program by visiting the team’s community website.

Several school staff and students dressed in jerseys in support of the team and favorite player or sported the team’s color—red, for the special event, which got underway with a brief introduction of the special guests: Defensive Assistant Coach Bob Wood, forward D.J. King and goalie Todd Ford.

 The trio then held a question-and-answer session with the group of 120 fifth-grade students. Some of the questions were very clever, while some really got the crowd laughing.

One student asked, “Do you guys have any fake teeth,” while another asked, “ What was the best hockey fight?”

The trio also told the kids how much hard work and dedication it takes to play hockey, telling the kids they practice every single day, even on game days.

Assistant Coach Wood informed a child who asked the players how long they plan on playing hockey that it is always good to get an education and have a "backup plan" because most hockey player usually only play into their 30s. It is very rare you see a 40-year-old hockey player, Coach Wood told the group.

Goalie Todd Ford told the students he would like to pursue a career in sports marketing after hockey and forward D.J. King said he was good at math and would like to pursue an engineering career when finished on the ice.

Then the fun really began as the trio geared up to direct a floor hockey session in the school’s gym with the students.  

Coach, King and Ford demonstrated several drills to the students, including stick-handling, passing and shooting. Then they called on student volunteers to try out what they had learned. 

But the highlight of the event was when a scrimmage was held, pitting teachers against students.  Fortunately, each team had one of the professional players on their side. At one point, it seemed the teachers were having as much fun, if not more, than the students.

The teachers ended up winning the scrimmage, but the students did not leave empty handed: a set of street hockey equipment was donated by the Capitals to the school.  Also, there is the unforgettable experience.

“I think it’s a great thing for kids to learn more about the sport,” said Prince William County teacher Michael Munayer. “[The experience] might inspire then to do something like this. Mr. Chase has done a good thing and it’s very inspiring.”

So did the visit inspire any future hockey players? Not according to one female student who said, “My dad probably wouldn’t let me.”

But fifth-grader Chris, sporting an Ovechkin jersey, said he likes “all the fights,” so he might just need to consider a career in the contact sport.

King and Ford also had a great time at the event, commenting on how well-behaved the students were and the fight the teachers brought to the scrimmage game.

“The teachers really came out to play!” Ford said.

In addition to the donated hockey equipment for use at school, the group of students  also got to take home an autographed postcard, squishy hockey puck and a Hockey 101 booklet for all those who want to learn more about the exciting game.