May 18, 2013

CAPS: Washington Capitals Alumni Langway and Laughlin Participate in Flashes of Hope

October 17, 2012 by

Washington Capitals alumnus and Hall of Famer Rod Langway, fellow alumnus Craig Laughlin and mascot Slapshot pose with a family during a Flashes of Hope photo shoot on the Hematology/Oncology Care Unit at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. The photo shoot marked the third year the Washington Capitals have participated in a Flashes of Hope session. (Photo Courtesy of Washington Capitals)

Washington Capitals alumnus and Hall of Famer Rod Langway, fellow alumnus Craig Laughlin and mascot Slapshot pose with a child during a Flashes of Hope photo shoot on the Hematology/Oncology Care Unit at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Flashes of Hope aims to photograph every child with cancer until every child is cured. (Photo Courtesy of Washington Capitals)

Washington Capitals alumnus and Hall of Famer Rod Langway, fellow alumnus Craig Laughlin and mascot Slapshot pose with a family during a Flashes of Hope photo shoot on the Hematology/Oncology Care Unit at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. (Photo Courtesy of Washington Capitals)

ARLINGTON, Va. – Washington Capitals alumnus and Hall of Famer Rod Langway, fellow alumnus Craig Laughlin and mascot Slapshot participated in a Flashes of Hope photo shoot on the Hematology/Oncology Care Unit at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, Oct. 11.

Flashes of Hope is a national nonprofit organization that changes the way children with cancer and other life threatening illnesses see themselves through the gift of photography

Nearly 20 families were photographed during the session with the goal of helping children feel better about their changing appearance. During the shoot, part of the NHL’s Hockey Fights Cancer initiative, Langway, Laughlin and Slapshot posed for photographs with each child.

“The fact that we can come here and put some cheer into the lives of these kids is second to none,” said Laughlin. “We had a great time with the children today and I hope they and their families treasure the portraits.”

Flashes of Hope aims to photograph every child with cancer until every child is cured and also raises money for pediatric cancer research. Each participating family receives a portfolio of the portraits and a CD of the images at no cost.

“Through the photo shoot the children are able to forget about the hospital world for a while and be regular kids,” said Tammi Wolfson, co-director of the Washington, D.C., chapter of Flashes of Hope. “Some kids are clearly in treatment and the photo shoot allows them to celebrate the beauty that they have.”

The photo shoot marked the third year the Washington Capitals have participated in a Flashes of Hope session. Washington Capitals Charities helped create the Washington, D.C., chapter of Flashes of Hope and has funded the organization for the past three years.

“Programs like Flashes of Hope take children’s mind off treatments, especially with special visitors like the Washington Capitals,” said Mark Miller, associate vice president for communications for the Children’s Hospital Foundation at Children’s National Medical Center. “Flashes of Hope gives families a moment to smile during a challenging time and is an example of how we help kids be kids even when they’re in the hospital.”

Filed Under: Beyond the Game Tagged With: , , , , ,

CAPS: Washington Capitals Alums Langway and Mulvey Host Hockey School

October 9, 2012 by

Washington Capitals alumnus Rod Langway instructs a student on passing during a Washington Capitals Hockey School at Creighton’s Corner Elementary School in Ashburn, Va. on Oct. 4, 2012. (Photo Courtesy of Washington Capitals)

Capitals Alumni Rod Langway and Paul Mulvey Host Capitals Hockey School
at Creighton’s Corner Elementary School

ARLINGTON, Va. – Washington Capitals alumnus and NHL Hall of Famer Rod Langway, fellow alumnus Paul Mulvey and mascot Slapshot visited Creighton’s Corner Elementary School in Ashburn, Va., on Thursday, Oct. 4, for the third Capitals Hockey School assembly of the 2012-13 school year.

Hockey School is a free program, designed to be both instructional and interactive, with the goal of exposing students to floor hockey while teaching proper technique.

Langway and Mulvey began the session by responding to questions from an audience of 190 fifth-grade students prior to instructing the group on basic hockey skills, including stick-handling, passing and shooting. Students were then invited to practice the skills in front of their peers.

The clinic concluded with several students participating in a friendly scrimmage joined by Langway and Mulvey as their teammates. The scrimmage ended in a tie, with Langway representing the girls team and Mulvey representing the boys team.

“The kids adapted well to the lessons that we gave them,” said Langway, a former Capitals defenseman who played in more than 700 games with the team from 1982-93. “They were so excited to play hockey and it was great to see their enthusiasm for the sport.”

“Some of the students out there with us were hockey players, and they were superb,” said Mulvey, a former Capitals left wing who played in 187 games with the team from 1978-81. “I hope all the children enjoyed learning about the game.”

Following the clinic the Capitals donated a set of street hockey equipment to the school. All students received an autographed alumni card, a hockey 101 booklet and a Capitals squishy puck. Creighton’s Corner Elementary School also received a Capitals Hockey School banner to display in their school gymnasium.

The Capitals host two Hockey School visits each month between September and May and donate street hockey equipment to each participating school.

The 2012-13 season marks the sixth consecutive year the Capitals have conducted their Hockey School program. The Capitals have hosted more than 70 clinics and reached more than 10,000 students in the past four years.

Washington Capitals alumnus Paul Mulvey instructs a student on stickhandling during a Washington Capitals Hockey School at Creighton’s Corner Elementary School in Ashburn, Va., on Oct. 4, 2012. (Photo Courtesy of Washington Capitals)

Washington Capitals alumni Rod Langway and Paul Mulvey pose with students and staff following a Washington Capitals Hockey School at Creighton’s Corner Elementary School in Ashburn, Va. on Oct. 4, 2012. (Photo Courtesy of Washington Capitals)

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PHOTOS: Washington Capitals and Wizards Night at Nationals Park

August 22, 2012 by

Tuesday night, August 21, was a special Capitals and Wizards Night at Nationals Park as the Washington Nationals faced conference rival, the Atlanta Braves. Washington Capitals and Washington Wizards season-ticket holders had exclusive access to tickets for the game and a pregame meet and greet opportunity with Capitals alum Rod Langway and Bullets alum Phil Chenier!

It was Washington Capitals and Wizards Season Ticket Holder Night at Nats Park. Former Caps Rod Langway and Former Bullets Phil Chenier on the field for pre-game festivities – Atlanta Braves v. Washington Nationals, 8/21/2012. (Cheryl Nichols/District Sports Page)

Washington Capitals “Enforcer” and NHL Hall of Famer Rod Langway signed autographs and posed for photographs with fans, as well as deliver the lineup card before the game.

It was Washington Capitals and Wizards Season Ticket Holder Night at Nats Park. Former Caps Rod Langway delivered lineup card before game – Atlanta Braves v. Washington Nationals, 8/21/2012. (Cheryl Nichols/District Sports Page)

It was Washington Capitals and Wizards Season Ticket Holder Night at Nats Park. Former Caps Rod Langway delivered lineup card before game – Atlanta Braves v. Washington Nationals, 8/21/2012. (Cheryl Nichols/District Sports Page)

Langway, known as the “Secretary of Defense”, was a two-time winner of the Norris Trophy which is given to the NHL’s top defensemen. He also finished second to Wayne Gretzky in 1982 for the Hart Trophy which is given to the MVP of the NHL. He won a Stanley Cup with Montreal in 1979. Langway was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2002.

NHL Hall of Famer Rod Langway was at the Washington Capitals and Wizards Season Ticket Holder Night at Nats Park. – Atlanta Braves v. Washington Nationals, 8/21/2012. (Cheryl Nichols/District Sports Page)

Former Washington Bullets star Phil Chenier signed autographs and posed for photographs with fans, as well as say, “Let’s Play Ball” before the game.

It was Washington Capitals and Wizards Season Ticket Holder Night at Nats Park. Former Bullets Phil Chenier said, “Let’s Play Ball!” – Atlanta Braves v. Washington Nationals, 8/21/2012. (Cheryl Nichols/District Sports Page)

It was Washington Capitals and Wizards Season Ticket Holder Night at Nats Park. Former Bullets Phil Chenier said, “Let’s Play Ball!” – Atlanta Braves v. Washington Nationals, 8/21/2012. (Cheryl Nichols/District Sports Page)

Phil Chenier was selected fourth in the 1971 NBA Hardship Draft  by the then Baltimore Bullets and played for the Bullets from 1971-79. Chenier was a member of the 1972 NBA All-Rookie Team and was named to three NBA All-Star teams. Chenier suffered a back injury during 1977 season and retired in 1981 after briefly playing for the Indiana Pacers and Golden State Warriors.

Chenier is currently working for CSN Washington covering the Washington Wizards with Steve Buckhantz.

Former Washington Bullets player Phil Chenier smiling at fans before game – Atlanta Braves v. Washington Nationals, 8/21/2012. (Cheryl Nichols/District Sports Page)

Cheryl Nichols is a Columnist and Photographer for District Sports Page. She is credentialed to cover the Washington Capitals and has reported on the community service and fan events for Nats News Network and Caps News Network since 2006. Cheryl is an accomplished action photographer and has been published in The Washington Post and many other local media. She was a credentialed photographer for the 2010 season covering the Washington Nationals. You can follow her on Twitter @cnichols14.

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Washington Capitals Day at Potomac Nationals

August 12, 2012 by

The Potomac Nationals, single-A affiliate for the Washington Nationals, celebrated hockey with Washington Capitals Day on Sunday, August 12th at Pfitzner Stadium in Woodbridge, Virginia.

Prior to the P-Nats game against the Winston-Salem Dash at 1:05 p.m.,  Washington Capitals “Enforcer” and NHL Hall of Famer Rod Langway signed autographs and posed for photographs with fans. Langway, known as the “Secretary of Defense”, was a two-time winner of the Norris Trophy which is given to the NHL’s top defensemen. He also finished second to Wayne Gretzky in 1982 for the Hart Trophy which is given to the MVP of the NHL. He won a Stanley Cup with Montreal in 1979. Langway was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2002. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Beyond the Game, Caps/NHL, Nats/MLB Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Washington Capitals Day at Potomac Nationals August 12

July 13, 2012 by

Rod Langway Headlines Capitals Day on August 12th at the Pfitz
Meet Hall of Famer Rod Langway, the Red Rockets and Slapshot in Woodbridge

(WOODBRIDGE, VA) – The Potomac Nationals are proud announce Washington Capitals Day is Sunday, August 12th at Pfitzner Stadium as the P-Nats host the Winston-Salem Dash at 1:05 p.m.. The day features Hall of Famer Rod Langway signing autographs, the Capitals cheer team the Red Rockets and mascot Slapshot.

Capitals Legend Rod Langway will hold a meet and greet autograph session at the park on Capitals Day. Langway, known as the “Secretary of Defense”, was a two-time winner of the Norris Trophy which is given to the NHL’s top defensemen. He also finished second to Wayne Gretzky in 1982 for the Hart Trophy which is given to the MVP of the NHL. He won a Stanley Cup with Montreal in 1979. Langway was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2002.

The day will also feature the best cheer team in the NHL: the Red Rockets who will have a meet and greet with the fans. The Red Rockets are also set for a pre-game presentation on the field.

The Capitals mascot Slapshot will also be in attendance. He is set to assist during promotions during the afternoon game.

August 12th will also be a Sunday Family Funday with player autographs before the game, kids running the bases after the game as well as post game family catch in the outfield.

The Potomac Nationals are celebrating their 35th Anniversary of professional baseball and family fun, for all your ticket needs please call the box office at 703-590-2311 or visit www.potomacnationals.com.

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Washington Capitals Day with the Potomac Nationals

June 20, 2012 by

The Potomac Nationals, High-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals in Woodbridge, VA, announced Sunday, August 12 as “Washington Capitals Day” at Pfiztner Stadium as the P-Nats host the Winston-Salem Dash.

The day features Caps Hall of Famer Rod Langway signing aoutographs, the Caps cheer team the Red Rockers and a special appearance by Slapshot, the Caps ever-popular mascot.

Filed Under: Beyond the Game, Caps/NHL Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

CAPS: Washington Capitals Alums Langway and Mulvey Host Hockey School

April 13, 2012 by

Washington Capitals alum Paul Mulvey helps show a student at Haycock Elementary School in Falls Church, Va., how to control a puck at Capitals Hockey School. (Photo Courtesy of Washington Capitals)

Washington Capitals ambassador and alum Rod Langway shows a student at Haycock Elementary School in Falls Church, Va., how to properly hold a hockey stick during Capitals Hockey School. (Photo Courtesy of Washington Capitals)

Capitals Alumni Rod Langway and Paul Mulvey
Host Capitals Hockey School At Haycock Elementary School

ARLINGTON, Va. – Washington Capitals ambassador and alum Rod Langway, fellow alum Paul Mulvey and Capitals mascot Slapshot visited Haycock Elementary School in Falls Church, Va., on Wednesday, April 11, to host Capitals Hockey School.

The former Caps players began the session fielding questions from students in the school’s gymnasium before directing a floor hockey clinic with 150 sixth-grade students. Langway and Mulvey instructed the students on basic hockey skills such as stick-handling, passing and shooting. The students were then called on to try out the skills in front of their peers. Two students even volunteered to be dressed as goalies, learning how to put on the equipment and how to handle the goalie stick.

The students then played alongside the pair of players in a friendly scrimmage. Langway played with the boys and defeated Mulvey and the girls’ team 2-1. The hour-long program concluded with the Capitals donating a set of hockey equipment to the elementary school.

“The kids today had a lot of talent, it was great,” said Langway. “It’s always a pleasure to be here and be able to see the sport of hockey grow.”

“I love teaching the sport of hockey to kids,” said Mulvey. “You could tell they were excited for playoffs because it seemed like everyone was wearing a jersey today, even the teachers.”

All students who participated in the session received autographs from Langway and Mulvey, Caps squishy pucks and Hockey 101 booklets. The school also received an official Capitals Hockey School banner to display in their school year-round.

This was the 15th Capitals Hockey School visit this season. The Capitals host two Hockey School visits each month between September and May and donate street hockey equipment to each participating school.

This is the fifth-consecutive year the Capitals have conducted their Hockey School program. The Caps have hosted more than 50 clinics and reached more than 7,500 students in the past four years. Hockey School is a free program, designed to be both instructional and interactive, with the goal of exposing students to floor hockey while teaching proper hockey technique. Each school will receive an official Capitals Hockey School banner to display in their school year-round.

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