Top 3 storylines ahead of Capitals Rookie Camp

In one week from now, Washington Capitals training camp will begin. But this Saturday will mark the beginning of Rookie Camp with the first day at MedStar Capitals Iceplex. The remainder will take place at McMullen Hockey Arena in Annapolis, Maryland.

The Capitals return to Maryland for the first time since 2018 where they hosted the Stadium Series at the Naval Academy in Annapolis. They also spent time there during the 2014 training camp.

Once upon a time, the Capitals played their home games at the Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland from 1974 to 1997 before they moved to the MCI Center which is now called Capital One Arena.

Prior to the opening of MedStar Capitals Iceplex which was called Kettler, the Capitals practiced and trained at Piney Orchard Ice Arena in Odenton.

#3 Ashburn represent!

Among the invites attending Capitals Rookie Camp is Ryan Leibold who is a native of Ashburn, Virginia. He also attended Washington’s 2023 Development Camp in July. During his youth he trained at MedStar Capitals Iceplex and was a participant in Washington’s Little Caps program.

Leibold signed an ECHL contract with the South Carolina Stingrays on March 28 where he recorded four points in nine games with a goal and three assists.

#2 Bear necessities

How soon can these kids have success at the professional hockey level even if it’s the minors? If last year was any indication, several!

In fact there were seven Rookie Camp participants last year that went on to appear with the Hershey Bears that season. That includes Hendrix Lapierre, Vincent Iorio, Ethen Frank, Henrik Rybinski, and Clay Stevenson.

Lapierre, Iorio, and Frank all suited in Game 7 of the Calder Cup Finals against the Coachella Valley Firebirds. Iorio recorded the primary assist on Lapierre’s game tying goal in the second period. Frank earned the secondary assist on Mike Vecchione’s Calder Cup clinching goal in overtime.

If you’re a Caps fan, a Bears fan, or both or just a fan who keeps track of the prospects, there’s something in store for you tonight. Monumental Sports Network aka NBC Sports Washington for now for at least six more days, is airing a documentary at 6 p.m.

This documentary will chronicle the Bears incredible Calder Cup run that they did this past summer which is titled “Sweeter by the Dozen”.

After all, it was the franchise’s 12th Calder Cup. Backstopped by Hunter Shepard, the Bears went 14-6 overall and won a thrilling finals series that took seven games and an overtime.