Not like it ever left, but the Capitals bring their prospects to town. A roster of 24 were released before hand of draft picks and college free agent signings. But there will be more players that will be invited as is the normal. Kettler will be alive again with Capitals' hockey, even if those players take a few years to don the Caps' sweater.
The prospects will be split into two groups; Group A and Group B. Some of those in Group A will consist of Joe Finley, Braden Holtby, Zach Miskovic and Mathieu Perreault. Some in Group B will be John Carlson, Francois Bouchard, Stefan Della Rovere and Anton Gustafsson. Although players may be switched from groups A and B at any time.
The first group will take the ice at 10 am, while the second group will be able to be seen at 2:30 with both sessions lasting at least an hour or so. The prospects will also be doing off ice activities that include agility tests, classroom work and video critiques.
Three intrasquad scrimmages are scheduled on Wednesday and Thursday at 3:30 p.m. Then the big scrimmage on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. wraps up camp.
Showing posts with label Kettler Iceplex. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kettler Iceplex. Show all posts
Monday, July 13, 2009
Friday, December 07, 2007
Night of Nights
Tonight is the an important night for the Capitals. After the Caps get nearly a week off to work on Bruce Boudreau's new system, they get to show what they have learned tonight at the Devil's new flat, dubbed "The Rock." Sounds cooler than the phone booth.
The Capitals are now under command of a new coach and how this new system - that was successful in the AHL - will work at the NHL level is in question tonight. Boudreau's new system is much more offensive minded, which is nearly a 180 from what Glen Hanlon had been preaching. This should be more of an exciting team, if they can get on a roll.
This league has been such a roller coaster ride for teams so far. Ottawa getting off to a fast start to fade of late. While the Maple Leafs started slow and have begun to pick it up. This has been the year of streaks for teams, so maybe the Capitals can ride one of those streaks - a winning one hopefully.
They will have to do it though with out the help of Micheal Nylander (undisclosed), Boyd Gordon (broken hand) and Chris Clark (groin). Even though Alex Ovechkin did not practice much over the past week, he will be present and accounted for. Joe Motzko will be recalled for some help against the Devils. Tonight is an important night for the Capitals.
In other news, Scott Niedermayer is coming back. What does that mean for the Capitals? We could pick up a solid defenseman. Sean O'Donnell could be possible trade fodder since the Ducks will have to dump about a million dollars for cap space. Since Brian Burke is no longer on friendly terms with Edmonton (reporters asked him if he had been talking to the other 29 teams about a trade, Burke responded, "28 teams, we don't talk to Edmonton"), the Caps have a 1 in 28 chance maybe of picking up another defenseman. Burke also may not move a defenseman, but instead a forward. Either way, it may be a way for the Caps to dump some problems to southern California in return for some proven talent.
Also there has been talk of how bad the ice is at the Verizon Center. An ideal ice condition for hockey is hard, cold ice. The game is faster and the ice holds together so there is less ruts (less chance for the puck to bounce/players getting hurt). Instead the ice at the phone booth is soft and wet (wet means the ice is not cold enough and is refusing to freeze). I am surprised the league hasn't led the charge for every building to have quality control for ice conditions. Since I have been playing out at the Kettler Capitals Iceplex, I can tell you the ice there is in good condition. At the very least, the ice condition at the practice facility should match that of the Verizon Center. Maybe we should just have the games at the Kettler, since we can't seem to fill the phone booth anyway.
The Capitals are now under command of a new coach and how this new system - that was successful in the AHL - will work at the NHL level is in question tonight. Boudreau's new system is much more offensive minded, which is nearly a 180 from what Glen Hanlon had been preaching. This should be more of an exciting team, if they can get on a roll.
This league has been such a roller coaster ride for teams so far. Ottawa getting off to a fast start to fade of late. While the Maple Leafs started slow and have begun to pick it up. This has been the year of streaks for teams, so maybe the Capitals can ride one of those streaks - a winning one hopefully.
They will have to do it though with out the help of Micheal Nylander (undisclosed), Boyd Gordon (broken hand) and Chris Clark (groin). Even though Alex Ovechkin did not practice much over the past week, he will be present and accounted for. Joe Motzko will be recalled for some help against the Devils. Tonight is an important night for the Capitals.
In other news, Scott Niedermayer is coming back. What does that mean for the Capitals? We could pick up a solid defenseman. Sean O'Donnell could be possible trade fodder since the Ducks will have to dump about a million dollars for cap space. Since Brian Burke is no longer on friendly terms with Edmonton (reporters asked him if he had been talking to the other 29 teams about a trade, Burke responded, "28 teams, we don't talk to Edmonton"), the Caps have a 1 in 28 chance maybe of picking up another defenseman. Burke also may not move a defenseman, but instead a forward. Either way, it may be a way for the Caps to dump some problems to southern California in return for some proven talent.
Also there has been talk of how bad the ice is at the Verizon Center. An ideal ice condition for hockey is hard, cold ice. The game is faster and the ice holds together so there is less ruts (less chance for the puck to bounce/players getting hurt). Instead the ice at the phone booth is soft and wet (wet means the ice is not cold enough and is refusing to freeze). I am surprised the league hasn't led the charge for every building to have quality control for ice conditions. Since I have been playing out at the Kettler Capitals Iceplex, I can tell you the ice there is in good condition. At the very least, the ice condition at the practice facility should match that of the Verizon Center. Maybe we should just have the games at the Kettler, since we can't seem to fill the phone booth anyway.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Veteran's Day Practice
Yes, I know that Veteran's Day was yesterday and today is only the observance of the holiday, but it seemed appropriate since veteran Chris Clark has been sited at a practice on the top line with Alex Ovechkin and Micheal Nylander. It looks like Viktor Kozlov, Nick Backstrom and Tomas Fleischmann makes up the second line.
The mood around the practice facility was a little quiet. Ovie more than once took his anguish out on the boards after a missed shot or two. The team is not talking, which is bad. While it's just practice, there is no chatter, no joking, no communication during some drills. Most of that melted away by the end of the practice (after Hanlon left the ice). George McPhee sat on his little balcony and watched most of the practice with a sour look on his face (but when does he not have a sour look on his face) in front of a very dark and still front office. It was a bit eerie to watch him and the empty office behind him (foreshadowing?).
Hanlon looked a little peeved through the whole practice. Stopping drills every now and then to give clear instructions. Most of what they worked on today were quick passes and stretch plays on the break out.
There was one drill that sort of caught my attention, which was defense recovering after shooting from the point. A defenseman would take a pass from the corner, draw it to the middle and shoot on net, then catch up to a two on one. The best two defensemen I saw were John Erskine and Brian Potheir who were able to get back in a defensive position every time.
The mood around the practice facility was a little quiet. Ovie more than once took his anguish out on the boards after a missed shot or two. The team is not talking, which is bad. While it's just practice, there is no chatter, no joking, no communication during some drills. Most of that melted away by the end of the practice (after Hanlon left the ice). George McPhee sat on his little balcony and watched most of the practice with a sour look on his face (but when does he not have a sour look on his face) in front of a very dark and still front office. It was a bit eerie to watch him and the empty office behind him (foreshadowing?).
Hanlon looked a little peeved through the whole practice. Stopping drills every now and then to give clear instructions. Most of what they worked on today were quick passes and stretch plays on the break out.
There was one drill that sort of caught my attention, which was defense recovering after shooting from the point. A defenseman would take a pass from the corner, draw it to the middle and shoot on net, then catch up to a two on one. The best two defensemen I saw were John Erskine and Brian Potheir who were able to get back in a defensive position every time.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Rookie Camp Roster Set
Tomorrow is the start of rookie camp for the Washington Capitals. Now they have the roster of players that will be taking the ice early tomorrow morning at the Kettler. Among the players, the ones I will be watching for will be recent draft pick Karl Alzner, Nicklas Backstrom, and Joe Finley.
It will be interesting to see what this group is going to do to impress the coaching staff to propel their hockey careers. It's obvious that only a select few will be marked for full time NHL duty, others will be fighting for those Hershey spots that seem to be getting more loaded with every off season signing Caps management completes.
New to the fold is right winger Joe Motzko, of recent Anaheim Duck fame. He was called up for 3 playoff games, but scored no points. Motzko may not be a starter, but he is yet another player to fill the roster with. I guess GMGM doesn't want to get burned by injuries again.
Here is a list of players that have their bags packed for camp:
19 Nicklas Backstrom, C Draft (1st, 2006)
29 Jamie Hunt, D Free Agent
30 Michal Neuvirth, G Draft (2nd, 2006)
31 Daren Machesney, G Draft (5th, 2005)
34 Sasha Pokulok, D Draft (1st, 2005)
36 Francois Bouchard, RW Draft (2nd, 2006)
40 Simeon Varlamov, G Draft (1st, 2006)
41 Theo Ruth, D Draft (2nd, 2007)
42 Sami Lepisto, D Draft (3rd, 2004)
45 Steve Werner, RW Draft (3rd, 2003)
46 Patrick McNeill, D Draft (4th, 2005)
47 Karl Alzner, D Draft (1st, 2007)
48 Oskar Osala, LW Draft (4th, 2006)
49 Viktor Dovgan, D Draft (7th, 2005)
54 Oscar Hedman, D Draft (5th, 2004)
57 Kyle Wilson, C Free Agent
58 Maxime Lacroix, LW Draft (5th, 2006)
59 Joe Finley, D Draft (1st, 2005)
61 Andrew Joudrey, C Draft (8th, 2003)
62 Sean Collins, D Free Agent
63 Andrew Gordon, RW Draft (7th, 2004)
65 Andrew Glass, LW Draft (7th, 2007)
67 Justin Taylor, C Draft (6th, 2007)
70 Justin Mrazek, G Draft (8th, 2004)
71 Travis Morin, C Draft (9th, 2004)
72 Pasi Salonen, LW Draft (5th, 2004)
73 Josh Godfrey, D Draft (2nd, 2007)
75 Phil DeSimone, C Draft (3rd, 2007)
76 Brett Bruneteau, C Draft (4th, 2007)
78 Brett Leffler, RW Draft (5th, 2007)
80 Dan Dunn, G Draft (6th, 2007)
85 Mathieu Perrault, C Draft (6th, 2006)
86 Luke Lynes, C Draft (4th, 2006)
It will be interesting to see what this group is going to do to impress the coaching staff to propel their hockey careers. It's obvious that only a select few will be marked for full time NHL duty, others will be fighting for those Hershey spots that seem to be getting more loaded with every off season signing Caps management completes.
New to the fold is right winger Joe Motzko, of recent Anaheim Duck fame. He was called up for 3 playoff games, but scored no points. Motzko may not be a starter, but he is yet another player to fill the roster with. I guess GMGM doesn't want to get burned by injuries again.
Here is a list of players that have their bags packed for camp:
19 Nicklas Backstrom, C Draft (1st, 2006)
29 Jamie Hunt, D Free Agent
30 Michal Neuvirth, G Draft (2nd, 2006)
31 Daren Machesney, G Draft (5th, 2005)
34 Sasha Pokulok, D Draft (1st, 2005)
36 Francois Bouchard, RW Draft (2nd, 2006)
40 Simeon Varlamov, G Draft (1st, 2006)
41 Theo Ruth, D Draft (2nd, 2007)
42 Sami Lepisto, D Draft (3rd, 2004)
45 Steve Werner, RW Draft (3rd, 2003)
46 Patrick McNeill, D Draft (4th, 2005)
47 Karl Alzner, D Draft (1st, 2007)
48 Oskar Osala, LW Draft (4th, 2006)
49 Viktor Dovgan, D Draft (7th, 2005)
54 Oscar Hedman, D Draft (5th, 2004)
57 Kyle Wilson, C Free Agent
58 Maxime Lacroix, LW Draft (5th, 2006)
59 Joe Finley, D Draft (1st, 2005)
61 Andrew Joudrey, C Draft (8th, 2003)
62 Sean Collins, D Free Agent
63 Andrew Gordon, RW Draft (7th, 2004)
65 Andrew Glass, LW Draft (7th, 2007)
67 Justin Taylor, C Draft (6th, 2007)
70 Justin Mrazek, G Draft (8th, 2004)
71 Travis Morin, C Draft (9th, 2004)
72 Pasi Salonen, LW Draft (5th, 2004)
73 Josh Godfrey, D Draft (2nd, 2007)
75 Phil DeSimone, C Draft (3rd, 2007)
76 Brett Bruneteau, C Draft (4th, 2007)
78 Brett Leffler, RW Draft (5th, 2007)
80 Dan Dunn, G Draft (6th, 2007)
85 Mathieu Perrault, C Draft (6th, 2006)
86 Luke Lynes, C Draft (4th, 2006)
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Washington Area Pick-Up (Kettler Sucks)
Hockey players in the DC area are always up for a good pick up game. After experiencing the worst pick up experience at the hands of Kettler Capitals Iceplex, I thought I would open a dialog with local players to find good places to play.
KCI has pick-up on Tuesdays and Thursdays and I have attended some of their hockey sessions before. The Iceplex actually has a good pro-shop and great facilities. But the problem I had with them is how they were treating players who want to come and play.
I went back on Tuesday to play and forked over the 15 bucks (they take credit cards, which is nice). Only five players showed. To add insult to injury, the rink didn't even supply pucks. What the hell did I pay $15 for?
You can buy a 10 or $10 pass, but then I heard they expire. That means if you play pick up once a week and for some reason you miss a session, say good-bye to your hard-earned money.
Is there any player that pays more than $10 for pick up out there? Most rinks don't charge that much. I even tried to express this to a manager, but the girls working the front desk pulled a blond moment. That day they made $75 with 5 players that paid, they could have made $100 if they had the price at $10 and ten players showed. I explained that $100 is greater than $75 (basic math, who says schooling didn't pay off). All I got were blank stares.
So open mic time. What's your best pick-up and worst pick-up? Mine are:
Best - Mt. Vernon Recreation Center, Wednesdays & Thursdays, $8 for Fairfax County residents, $10 for all others. Usually a good mix of players and can be a fast game with good talent, but also draws some show boats who never change up or never pass, etc.
Worst - Kettler Capitals Iceplex - reasons stated above.
Honorable Mention - The Gardens Icehouse, Laurel MD, Good talent and fun personalities. Some older guys, but give them respect and you might play with former Capitals.
What is yours?
KCI has pick-up on Tuesdays and Thursdays and I have attended some of their hockey sessions before. The Iceplex actually has a good pro-shop and great facilities. But the problem I had with them is how they were treating players who want to come and play.
I went back on Tuesday to play and forked over the 15 bucks (they take credit cards, which is nice). Only five players showed. To add insult to injury, the rink didn't even supply pucks. What the hell did I pay $15 for?
You can buy a 10 or $10 pass, but then I heard they expire. That means if you play pick up once a week and for some reason you miss a session, say good-bye to your hard-earned money.
Is there any player that pays more than $10 for pick up out there? Most rinks don't charge that much. I even tried to express this to a manager, but the girls working the front desk pulled a blond moment. That day they made $75 with 5 players that paid, they could have made $100 if they had the price at $10 and ten players showed. I explained that $100 is greater than $75 (basic math, who says schooling didn't pay off). All I got were blank stares.
So open mic time. What's your best pick-up and worst pick-up? Mine are:
Best - Mt. Vernon Recreation Center, Wednesdays & Thursdays, $8 for Fairfax County residents, $10 for all others. Usually a good mix of players and can be a fast game with good talent, but also draws some show boats who never change up or never pass, etc.
Worst - Kettler Capitals Iceplex - reasons stated above.
Honorable Mention - The Gardens Icehouse, Laurel MD, Good talent and fun personalities. Some older guys, but give them respect and you might play with former Capitals.
What is yours?
Monday, March 26, 2007
Went To A Practice And A Fight Broke Out
I decided to take in a Capitals' practice today as I had nothing to do and it seemed like the cosmopolitan thing to do. I guess I showed up just in time. I hated myself for not taking my camera with me when the "incident" happened.
The Caps were working on offensive and defensive positioning as they often do during practice. As the drill went along, the hitting sort of picked up and I noticed on more than one occasion that the Capitals defensemen were starting to get a little chippy with some of the wingers. Most of the chippy play was met with smiles and an occasional slap back of the stick by the forwards.
When all of a sudden a commotion broke out at the top of the left circle in Olaf Kolzig's zone. Bryan Muir and Alex Semin were in a bear hug that turned into dropped gloves and a couple of thrown punches. It escalated rather quickly and both had started to pull the others' practice jerseys (that were logo-less for some reason*). Donald Brashear (a peacekeeper in his own right) was the only one to jump in and break the two up.
Semin had gotten a couple of punches in and Muir mostly kept Semin at bay, not really wanting to fight him, but not wanting to back down either. The two finally stopped when Brashear and another defenseman (couldn't see who) pulled the two apart. Then both sat on the bench together putting their gear back on. Neither player was hurt.
Neither spoke to the other as they sat on the bench (partly because Semin's English is probably better than Muir's Russian) and soon the drill dissolved into other drills. Both left the ice early at the end of the practice session and I am sure pulled aside by the coaches for a little talk.
Now I feel like a total gossip reporting this, like a fight broke out on the school yard grounds and I just have to tell everyone because I was there. But it was this different side of Semin I have never seen before today. He earned a little more respect on my behalf. Semin could have slashed Muir, taken a cheap shot or a number of other things that I imagine him doing other than dropping the mitts. Instead, he stood his ground and dropped his stick and gloves and went at the biggest defenseman on the Caps blue line.
The two were frustrated with the one another, they fought and then they moved on. Neither complained nor whined, but took matters in their own hands and cleared the air by going to fisticuffs. Most of the other players looked on in shock before Brashear broke it up (they were probably thinking what I was thinking, "Is this really happening?", and "Is that Semin?"). The coaching staff said nothing, except continued the drill without the two.
Let's hope some of that passion shows up against the Penguins. After things settled down, Shaone Morrisonn tried pick a fight with Brashear, jokingly knocking the big guy's stick from his hands and laughing at him (Brashear just smiled back probably thinking, "Just wait, punk"). Most of the other Caps sort of shrugged it off and were soon smiling and goofing off again with one another.
Another downside to the Dainius Zubrus trade was evident during the practice today. Glen Hanlon had to try to explain to Alex Ovechkin what he wanted Semin to do. Ovie had to then translate to Semin. Hanlon obviously had to use his words wisely as Ovie is still learning the language himself. It seemed to take a bite out of the drill they were trying to do and slowed the pace. Normally Zubie would have quickly explained to the two what Hanlon wanted in Russian.
*Editor's Note: Tarik's blog, Capitals Insider, picked up the answers to a couple of questions I had watching the team practice today, like why the jerseys had no team logos on them.
The Caps were working on offensive and defensive positioning as they often do during practice. As the drill went along, the hitting sort of picked up and I noticed on more than one occasion that the Capitals defensemen were starting to get a little chippy with some of the wingers. Most of the chippy play was met with smiles and an occasional slap back of the stick by the forwards.
When all of a sudden a commotion broke out at the top of the left circle in Olaf Kolzig's zone. Bryan Muir and Alex Semin were in a bear hug that turned into dropped gloves and a couple of thrown punches. It escalated rather quickly and both had started to pull the others' practice jerseys (that were logo-less for some reason*). Donald Brashear (a peacekeeper in his own right) was the only one to jump in and break the two up.
Semin had gotten a couple of punches in and Muir mostly kept Semin at bay, not really wanting to fight him, but not wanting to back down either. The two finally stopped when Brashear and another defenseman (couldn't see who) pulled the two apart. Then both sat on the bench together putting their gear back on. Neither player was hurt.
Neither spoke to the other as they sat on the bench (partly because Semin's English is probably better than Muir's Russian) and soon the drill dissolved into other drills. Both left the ice early at the end of the practice session and I am sure pulled aside by the coaches for a little talk.
Now I feel like a total gossip reporting this, like a fight broke out on the school yard grounds and I just have to tell everyone because I was there. But it was this different side of Semin I have never seen before today. He earned a little more respect on my behalf. Semin could have slashed Muir, taken a cheap shot or a number of other things that I imagine him doing other than dropping the mitts. Instead, he stood his ground and dropped his stick and gloves and went at the biggest defenseman on the Caps blue line.
The two were frustrated with the one another, they fought and then they moved on. Neither complained nor whined, but took matters in their own hands and cleared the air by going to fisticuffs. Most of the other players looked on in shock before Brashear broke it up (they were probably thinking what I was thinking, "Is this really happening?", and "Is that Semin?"). The coaching staff said nothing, except continued the drill without the two.
Let's hope some of that passion shows up against the Penguins. After things settled down, Shaone Morrisonn tried pick a fight with Brashear, jokingly knocking the big guy's stick from his hands and laughing at him (Brashear just smiled back probably thinking, "Just wait, punk"). Most of the other Caps sort of shrugged it off and were soon smiling and goofing off again with one another.
Another downside to the Dainius Zubrus trade was evident during the practice today. Glen Hanlon had to try to explain to Alex Ovechkin what he wanted Semin to do. Ovie had to then translate to Semin. Hanlon obviously had to use his words wisely as Ovie is still learning the language himself. It seemed to take a bite out of the drill they were trying to do and slowed the pace. Normally Zubie would have quickly explained to the two what Hanlon wanted in Russian.
*Editor's Note: Tarik's blog, Capitals Insider, picked up the answers to a couple of questions I had watching the team practice today, like why the jerseys had no team logos on them.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Caps Loosen Up
The Capitals could have been facing one of the toughest practices after blowing a 4 goal lead to lose to a long time rival in a shoot out. They could be doing skating drills until the cows came home. But the practice was light and surprisingly loose. Tarik El-Bashir’s article in the Washington Post tells the tale, but I had gone to see it for myself.
Having some time on my hands I decided to see how the Caps would respond. They responded with smiles and solid practice. Glen Hanlon lightened the mood, and the Capitals actually looked like they were having fun.
Dainius Zubrus seemed to be challenging Olie Kolzig with extreme angle shots and a few shots outside of the drill. Both were smiling each time they one-upped the other. Brooks Laich was joking with Bryan Muir while Hanlon worked on defensive positioning. Alex Ovechkin and Alex Semin slid along the ice after a tough skating and shooting drill, each one joking in Russian. Kris Beech getting called out after shooting on net after being waved off, and having to skate the length of the rink as punishment as Brent Johnson smiled and Hanlon barked (Beech smiled the entire stretch).
It’s something the young players needed, to forget a bad game. The Caps aren’t perfect, no NHL player can be. But the embarrassment of losing that game was punishment enough for Hanlon. The Caps practice may get more serious today, as they prepare for a Southeast showdown with the Atlanta Thrashers on Friday. But for one practice, it was just fun being a hockey player. That even lightened my mood.
Having some time on my hands I decided to see how the Caps would respond. They responded with smiles and solid practice. Glen Hanlon lightened the mood, and the Capitals actually looked like they were having fun.
Dainius Zubrus seemed to be challenging Olie Kolzig with extreme angle shots and a few shots outside of the drill. Both were smiling each time they one-upped the other. Brooks Laich was joking with Bryan Muir while Hanlon worked on defensive positioning. Alex Ovechkin and Alex Semin slid along the ice after a tough skating and shooting drill, each one joking in Russian. Kris Beech getting called out after shooting on net after being waved off, and having to skate the length of the rink as punishment as Brent Johnson smiled and Hanlon barked (Beech smiled the entire stretch).
It’s something the young players needed, to forget a bad game. The Caps aren’t perfect, no NHL player can be. But the embarrassment of losing that game was punishment enough for Hanlon. The Caps practice may get more serious today, as they prepare for a Southeast showdown with the Atlanta Thrashers on Friday. But for one practice, it was just fun being a hockey player. That even lightened my mood.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Kettler Capitals Iceplex Pick-Up Dissappoints
So the Caps have this new facility atop the parking garage of Ballston Commons. They have a regular adult pick-up hockey sessions out and I notice that I could play today at 11:00 am. Very cool. I had some time to travel down Glebe Road and get some shots on net so I packed my gear and left.
On the 8th floor of the parking garage, the Capitals new practice facility looks different from the few weeks ago at the naming. There is a pro shop that carries Sid "the Kid" Crosby jerseys (as well as Caps, Red Wings, and Wild jerseys) and good selection of sticks and gear. I didn't get my skates sharpened there but it looked as if they had a guy who knew what he was doing back there, not just some high school kid that just sharpens rentals all day.
The facility is new and clean and nice. But the problem isn't with the facility, it's with the price. I had to fork over $15 to play pick-up. While the average around the DC metro area is around $10, the Kettler is keeping the casual players away. The total price is actually $16 if you include parking (but don't dally, after 3 hours it's more). You can purchase a 10 for $10 pass, which may not be a bad buy since your going to spend $100 on pick-up anyway.
Maybe it's because of the price, or the fact that it's new, but the session only drew four players including myself. The entire session was just shooting on the net and passing around. The ice was actually very good. They didn't clean the sheet after public session (most likely because there were only four of us), but the ice was still in good shape. We didn't play on the Capitals sheet where there are the official NHL markings on the ice and that was kind of disappointing.
Unless players start showing up it's not really worth the time or money to spend on Kettler's pick-up sessions. The locker rooms were a high-light, we dressed in the Smythe locker room. It featured some large pictures of Roy, Parent and Dryden. There are single shower stalls which don't drain correctly; you can flood the bathroom just by taking a shower.
I guess I was expecting a lot more than what I got playing at the Caps practice facility. If there had been more players it maybe worth the high price.
On the 8th floor of the parking garage, the Capitals new practice facility looks different from the few weeks ago at the naming. There is a pro shop that carries Sid "the Kid" Crosby jerseys (as well as Caps, Red Wings, and Wild jerseys) and good selection of sticks and gear. I didn't get my skates sharpened there but it looked as if they had a guy who knew what he was doing back there, not just some high school kid that just sharpens rentals all day.
The facility is new and clean and nice. But the problem isn't with the facility, it's with the price. I had to fork over $15 to play pick-up. While the average around the DC metro area is around $10, the Kettler is keeping the casual players away. The total price is actually $16 if you include parking (but don't dally, after 3 hours it's more). You can purchase a 10 for $10 pass, which may not be a bad buy since your going to spend $100 on pick-up anyway.
Maybe it's because of the price, or the fact that it's new, but the session only drew four players including myself. The entire session was just shooting on the net and passing around. The ice was actually very good. They didn't clean the sheet after public session (most likely because there were only four of us), but the ice was still in good shape. We didn't play on the Capitals sheet where there are the official NHL markings on the ice and that was kind of disappointing.
Unless players start showing up it's not really worth the time or money to spend on Kettler's pick-up sessions. The locker rooms were a high-light, we dressed in the Smythe locker room. It featured some large pictures of Roy, Parent and Dryden. There are single shower stalls which don't drain correctly; you can flood the bathroom just by taking a shower.
I guess I was expecting a lot more than what I got playing at the Caps practice facility. If there had been more players it maybe worth the high price.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Practice Facility Now Has Pick-Up
Caps new practice facility, Kettler Capitals Iceplex, finally has pick-up hockey for the Thanksgiving holiday week. I guess they are expecting some big crowds because they broke them up in different age groups. The schedule they have on their website is here.
I would expect a lot of players at these sessions considering it's the holiday and it is the Caps new facility. So don’t be surprised if there are 20 players on the bench. I am still debating whether or not to go. I hear the ice is pretty good.
Wash Post picked up on the heroic doings of Captain Clark. After taking a puck in the face, Chris Clark kept playing. There are some pretty good quotes from others on the team about the situation. The attitude on the Caps is in the right place. Japer also spreads the praise about Superhero Captain Clark.
I am getting nervous about the up coming game with Buffalo Saturday December 2nd. After Tampa Bay Lightning got spanked, I am not sure how the Caps will match up with them. I realize it’s a couple of games away, but it’s that blaring Sabres logo on the calendar that stares back at the Caps.
Caps first need to face down the Thrashers on a Thanksgiving Eve matchup. They have lost the previous two games with the Thrash both by the score of 4-3.
I would expect a lot of players at these sessions considering it's the holiday and it is the Caps new facility. So don’t be surprised if there are 20 players on the bench. I am still debating whether or not to go. I hear the ice is pretty good.
Wash Post picked up on the heroic doings of Captain Clark. After taking a puck in the face, Chris Clark kept playing. There are some pretty good quotes from others on the team about the situation. The attitude on the Caps is in the right place. Japer also spreads the praise about Superhero Captain Clark.
I am getting nervous about the up coming game with Buffalo Saturday December 2nd. After Tampa Bay Lightning got spanked, I am not sure how the Caps will match up with them. I realize it’s a couple of games away, but it’s that blaring Sabres logo on the calendar that stares back at the Caps.
Caps first need to face down the Thrashers on a Thanksgiving Eve matchup. They have lost the previous two games with the Thrash both by the score of 4-3.
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Powerless Play
Part of the Capitals offensive troubles has to do with a poor power play. The Caps have 13 power play goals out of 77 chances (15th in the NHL). By comparison both the Chicago Blackhawks and Florida Panthers are rated higher (both teams have a losing record).
The Caps sometimes are sometimes too selfish with the puck. Both Alex Ovechkin and Alex Semin have both taken bad shots from the outside. The power play unit is just not moving the puck. In their game against the 'Canes, the Caps just couldn't get anything inside and the penalty killers were able to keep the puck outside. Cam Ward had some easy saves.
Maybe the Capitals can practice that power play when they take the ice this morning at the Kettler Capitals Iceplex for their morning skate. Adorned atop the Ballston Commons Mall's parking garage, the Caps will practice their preskate before the Rangers game at the Verizon Center (although with the size of crowds at the phone booth, they could play at the Iceplex).
In other NHL News:
The Caps sometimes are sometimes too selfish with the puck. Both Alex Ovechkin and Alex Semin have both taken bad shots from the outside. The power play unit is just not moving the puck. In their game against the 'Canes, the Caps just couldn't get anything inside and the penalty killers were able to keep the puck outside. Cam Ward had some easy saves.
Maybe the Capitals can practice that power play when they take the ice this morning at the Kettler Capitals Iceplex for their morning skate. Adorned atop the Ballston Commons Mall's parking garage, the Caps will practice their preskate before the Rangers game at the Verizon Center (although with the size of crowds at the phone booth, they could play at the Iceplex).
In other NHL News:
- The Anaheim Ducks finally suffered their first regulation loss versus the Flames. The Ducks were able to score a point in their first 16 games, a record. But Miikka Kiprusoff shut them out to kill that streak. You can take the "Mighty" out of the Duck, but you can't take the "Mighty" out of their play.
- Patrick Roy, Dickie Duff, Herb Brooks and Harley Hotchkiss are all being inducted to the Hockey Hall of Fame. NHL.com has a nice piece about Roy and his accomplishments.
- 37 players make their ballot debuts for the 2007 NHL All Star game. Alex Ovechkin is among them on the ballot. Voting begins November 15th, the All Star game will be in Dallas on January 24.
Caps play the Rangers tonight at the Verizon. Go Caps!
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Home Sweet Home, Amongst Other Things
The Capitals finally come home. After their 4 game western swing, the Caps won’t get the warm welcome they may be expecting from a grumpy Atlanta Thrashers squad. The Thrash has dropped their last two games and now look to up their confidence by playing the patsies of the NHL. If the Caps aren’t careful, they will get a thrashing.
It was a good thing for the Caps that they had a few days off to adjust to the time change, do some laundry, feed the cats, gather up the piled newspapers and name their new practice facility in Ballston. There is so much to do when you come back from vacation.
One good thing that the Caps have going for them is they won’t leave the eastern time zone for the rest of their 71 game schedule. Good, I hate staying up until one in the morning to write hockey posts. This, of course, has brought up some grumblings about the whole scheduling debate. 6 games against Divisional foes sounds right to me, rather than 8. But, I am not Bettman (thank god!).
Other NHL News:
It was a good thing for the Caps that they had a few days off to adjust to the time change, do some laundry, feed the cats, gather up the piled newspapers and name their new practice facility in Ballston. There is so much to do when you come back from vacation.
One good thing that the Caps have going for them is they won’t leave the eastern time zone for the rest of their 71 game schedule. Good, I hate staying up until one in the morning to write hockey posts. This, of course, has brought up some grumblings about the whole scheduling debate. 6 games against Divisional foes sounds right to me, rather than 8. But, I am not Bettman (thank god!).
Other NHL News:
- The Penguins are staying with the kid, not that one, the other one. Jordan Staal, welcome to the National Hockey League. Too bad it’s with the Penguins. Staal’s strong work ethic and hard play earned him a right to play in the league. But his talent will be overshadowed by an obnoxious captain and Russian wonderboy Evgeni Malkin.
- Did I hear Assistant Head Coach Jay Leach refer to Alex Semin as “Shasha?” If this is his nickname, than… okay. Maybe I heard wrong, but I am sure there is a reader out there who knows, so enlighten me.
- The Philadelphia Flyers couldn’t let Ken Hitchcock off the hook just yet. Hey, Hitch, you know we don’t think you are right for behind the bench, how about a scouting job?!?
- If you want to read more about the new Kettler Capitals Iceplex (finally got the name right) you can at the Wash Post or On Frozen Blog or CapitalsIceCenter.com.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
I Guess the Caps can Practice Now
I Parked at Level 6 in the Ballston Commons Mall and followed signs up some back stairs to reach the new Kettler Iceplex a.k.a Capitals Ice Center. It's the new home of the Washington Capitals practice facility. The Caps invited me to attend their press conference today at 2 p.m. and since I had nothing to do, I decided to take my camera and go.
It was a love fest of glad handing and black slapping on the part of Capitals execs and county officials. "Too bad we haven't put in the snack bar yet," a woman said as she passed me, "we could be selling beer." Not a bad thought.
Olie Kolzig, Brian Sutherby, Chris Clark, and a late Dainius Zubrus helped with the unveiling of the giant Capitals logo in the middle of the ice. Ted Leonsis thanked just about everyone there in a broken voice, and a new era of Capital hockey opened in Arlington County, 8 floors above street level.
The facility is not finished yet, even though both ice surfaces look ready to skate on. Workers were still pounding as the conference finished. Overall the execs looked plenty happy, and in the end, isn't that what its all about?
Here is the video of the unveiling, 30 seconds of my life that I can't get back.
A quick shout-out to my boys at On Frozen Blog who were also at the press conference. Last I saw of them, they were headed to get a beer. I envy them. Caps play Thrashers Friday at the Phone Booth.
It was a love fest of glad handing and black slapping on the part of Capitals execs and county officials. "Too bad we haven't put in the snack bar yet," a woman said as she passed me, "we could be selling beer." Not a bad thought.
Olie Kolzig, Brian Sutherby, Chris Clark, and a late Dainius Zubrus helped with the unveiling of the giant Capitals logo in the middle of the ice. Ted Leonsis thanked just about everyone there in a broken voice, and a new era of Capital hockey opened in Arlington County, 8 floors above street level.
The facility is not finished yet, even though both ice surfaces look ready to skate on. Workers were still pounding as the conference finished. Overall the execs looked plenty happy, and in the end, isn't that what its all about?
Here is the video of the unveiling, 30 seconds of my life that I can't get back.
A quick shout-out to my boys at On Frozen Blog who were also at the press conference. Last I saw of them, they were headed to get a beer. I envy them. Caps play Thrashers Friday at the Phone Booth.
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