One of the many awesome things about the Washington Capitals is that they’re very involved in giving back to the community – from playground builds to rink renovations. At least once a year they do a service project in which they include CAPS fans in the process. I’ve been participating as a volunteer team leader for the past three years and I look forward to it every year. Liz, executive director for the MSE Foundation, does a phenomenal job organizing the projects.

This year some of the CAPS’ “better halves”; Red Rockers and Slapshot came out to lend us a hand. Our mission was to help spruce up the Fort Dupont Ice Arena, which included painting the locker rooms, cleaning helmets, skates and other equipment, washing the rink windows, replacing nets on the hockey goals, and more. I helped paint the inside of the arena last year and met some amazing kids from the neighborhood who use the rink – many of whom had grown and returned to help out this year. Very inspiring. Liz shared a personal story with everyone about how Fort Dupont was special to her because it’s the ice rink where she grew up skating. Laich (#21) and Ward (#42) stopped by, signed autographs, and posed for photos with the kids and volunteers. Can’t wait until next time…