Washington Capitals hockey returns this month. Although the games won’t count, players will lace up their skates (they already have) and hit the ice. The team announced their schedule for Rookie Camp which will take place from September 16th through 19th with training camp beginning on September 21.
The on ice Rookie Camp sessions take place not only at MedStar Capitals Iceplex but also in Annapolis, Maryland at the McMullen Hockey Arena from September 17-19.
So the first day on Saturday September 16 will be at their regular Arlington practice rink. Then they’ll be in Annapolis from September 17-19.
Among the Capitals rookies who are scheduled to participate in the camp include 2020 first rounder Hendrix Lapierre, 2022 first round pick Ivan Miroshnichenko, as well as Vincent Iorio, Alexander Suzdalev, and Andrew Cristall. A complete roster will be announced at a later date.
Following Rookie Camp, the Caps will begin Training Camp presented by MedStar Health on Thursday September 21 which will also include Caps Media Day. All players, coaches, and management will be available.
Just like previous years, MedStar Capitals Iceplex will be closed to the media and public on Wednesday September 20th so the Caps played can do physicals and off ice testing.
This will mark the Caps 17th training camp at MedStar Capitals Iceplex which used to be called Kettler. All on ice sessions are open to the public and free of charge.
Saturday September 16: Start of Capitals Rookie Camp
MedStar Capitals Iceplex
11:30 a.m. Goalie Ice
12-1:15 p.m. Practice
Sunday September 17
McMullen Hockey Arena
9 a.m. Goalie ice
9:30-10:45 a.m. Practice
Monday September 18
McMullen Hockey Arena
9 a.m. Goalie ice
9:30-10:45 a.m. Practice
Tuesday September 19
McMullen Hockey Arena
9 a.m. Goalie ice
9:30-10:45 a.m. Practice
Thursday September 21: Start of NHL training camp (first on ice session) and Media Day at MedStar Capitals Iceplex
Sunday September 24: Preseason opener vs. Buffalo Sabres at Capital One Arena
Friday Oct. 13: Season opener vs. Penguins a Capital One Arena
I’m very excited to see what Ivan Miroshnichenko can do. Hendrix Lapierre will be fun to watch too as both players will vie for that opening night roster spot.
It’s going to be tricky. Some veterans are obvious locks to make the roster which means less spots are open. But giving these kids a head start before the veterans come in could be beneficial to them.