Follow along and enjoy all the coverage of the teams’ “days with the cup”. We will continuously update this post as more celebrations occur, until the Capitals relinquish the Stanley Cup. Note: You can always access this post, or any of our Stanley Cup content under the “Stanley Cup” tab in our main menu. [last update: October 30, 2018]
While there was no official list or itinerary released to the public, players and staff have generally released information regarding their personal dates with The Cup, and subsequently held public events in their own communities. We’ve spent the summer and fall tracking every move of the Stanley Cup, and it’s all compiled right here.
Tim Ohashi: July 2, 2018 Washington DC area
Tim grew up idolizing the Washington Capitals; now he’s hoisting The Cup with them. Ohashi spent the day making a number of stops around the DMV, including a stop at the Lincoln Memorial in D.C. STORY HERE
Craig “Woody” Leydig: July 3, 2018 Annapolis, Maryland
Capitals assistant equipment manager; twenty-nine year employee, Woody Leydig spent most of his day with The Cup in the privacy of his family. He did however spend a short time with the Cup on display at Ego Alley/City Dock in Annapolis , Maryland interacting with fans. STORY HERE
John Carlson: July 4, 2018 Washington DC
John Carlson and his family have been staunch advocates for children’s health so it seemed fitting that “Captain America”, as he is affectionately known, spent part of his day raising funds for one of the causes he supports. STORY HERE
Dave Marin: July 5, 2018 Arlington, Virginia
Marin, the Capitals Assistant Equipment Manager, had his day with the Stanley Cup in Arlington, Virginia. He and his wife, Rachel, had a quiet day with their 10 week old daughter, Brynn. STORY HERE
Alex Ovechkin: July 7-8, 2018 Moscow, Russia
O captain, our captain, and his two days with the cup. Ovi’s weekend with The Cup was an extremely busy one, and even included an impromptu parade in Red Square. STORY HERE and STORY HERE
Michal Kempny: July 10, 2018 Czech Republic
Many trade deadline acquisitions are a bust; Kempny clearly was NOT. Michal spent the day at several events in and around his hometown of Hodonin, Czech Republic. STORY HERE
Jakub Vrana: July 11, 2018 Prague,Czech Republic
A day with The Cup with a special visit with his grandmother. This day was a historic day because it was the first time the Stanley Cup had ever been in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, for the entire day. STORY HERE
Steve Bowman: July 13, 2018 London, Ontario
Not bad for an “amateur ” (head amateur scout for the Capitals) Bowman is not the first member of the family to have won the Stanley Cup. Both his uncle (Scotty) and cousin (Stan) have won it a combined seventeen times! STORY HERE
Mark Nemish: July 15, 2018 Leesburg, Virginia Strength and conditioning coach AKA Camp Nemo. Mark began his day visiting Inova Loudoun Hospital in Leesburg, Virginia. At the end of the visit, those working at the Sheriff’s office were invited to pose for a picture with The Cup. STORY HERE
Chris Patrick: July 16, 2018 Piney Orchard/ Severn Park Maryland
Director of player personnel, Chris Patrick, began his day with a stop at the Capitals former practice rink in Piney Orchard. He ended his day with Lord Stanley at a private event at Severna Park Taphouse. STORY HERE
Rob Tillotson: July 17, 2018 Alexandria, Virginia
Capitals director of team operations, Tillotson spent the day with the Stanley Cup visiting people in the fire and rescue community. The United States Park Police and Fairfax County Fire Station 10 were amongst the places visited. STORY HERE
Richard “Dick” Patrick: July 18, 2018 Oakton/Vienna, Virginia
Hired by the Washington Capitals in 1982, Patrick has played a key role in the growth of hockey in the D.C. area. Dick and his son Chris, are the sixth and seventh member of the Patrick Family to raise the Stanley Cup. STORY HERE
Brian MacLellan: July 21, 2018 Minneapolis, Minnesota
Master of contract signing wizardry; Capitals General Manager Brian MacLellan rode to the scene of his public event on a fire truck. The event was held with several youth hockey groups from the city; all part of a Herb Brooks Foundation event. STORY HERE
Matt Niskanen: July 22, 2018 Virginia, Minnesota
There’s no place like home. Prior to his public appearance with The cup, Niskanen and his close family and friends met at his home. Included in the gathering were his two former high school coaches, Keith Henderson and Gary Cornell. In Nisky’s words, taking a picture with the three of them and The Cup “was something pretty special”. STORY HERE
Jason Serbus: July 23, 2018 Bird Island, Minnesota
Head athletic trainer Jason Serbus spent the day in his hometown of Bird Island, Minnesota, population 978. This would be the smallest populated town visited during the Caps 100 days with the Stanley Cup. STORY HERE
TJ Oshie:July 24, 2018 Warroad/Minneapolis, Minnesota
Their loss, our gain; Thanks St. Louis Blues! Knowing both Travis Boyd and Shane Gersich would not have their own day with The Cup, Oshie immediately invited them to share in his cup celebrations. STORY HERE
Todd Reirden: July 26, 2018 Valparaiso, Indiana
New head coach Todd Reirden made several stops in the state of Indiana during his day with the Stanley Cup, including Crown Point, St. John’s and Valparaiso, all in the heart of Chicago Blackhawks country. STORY HERE
Michael Booi: July 27, 2018 Lake Odessa, Michigan
Assistant athletic trainer, Michael Booi’s low-key day began with a photo with his daughter in a bean field. Capitals’ fans were also able to take pictures with Lord Stanley. STORY HERE
Madison Bowey: July 28, 2018 Winnipeg, ManitobaSixth or seventh defenseman this upcoming season? One of Madison’s first stops with the Stanley Cup was a visit to Children’s Hospital in Winnipeg where he visited with several families and posed for a few photos. His choice of food out of The Cup; a bit of his grandmother’s borscht. STORY HERE
Ross Mahoney: July 29, 2018 Regina, SaskatchewanAssistant general manager Ross Mahoney first stop on his day with The Cup was the downtown YMCA where it was set up in the Men’s Plus Member room. Both Mahoney and Capital’s scout Darrell Baumgartner also visited the Royal Regina Golf Club with The Cup in tow. STORY HERE
Braden Holtby: July 31, 2018 Lashburn, Saskatchewan
The most humble down to earth “BEAST” you will ever meet. The “Save ” will go down as one of the best, if not THE best in NHL history. After meeting with the local youth team, the Lashburn Flyers, (his old team) , having a public meet and greet, and making a few extra stops along the way, Holtby brought The Cup back to the family farm for a private gathering. STORY HERE
Brett Leonhardt: August 2, 2018 New Hamburg, OntarioCapitals video coach, Brett Leonhardt began his day with an open session at the New Hamburg Arena, his hometown rink where he grew up playing minor hockey before advancing to higher levels in Cambridge and Kitchener. During the public event a drawing was held to win a signed Ovechkin sweater with proceeds benefitting the New Hamburg minor hockey league. STORY HERE
Brock Myles: August 3, 2018 Chelsey, Ontario
Equipment manage, Brock Myles made the Cup available to his hometown folks, population 2,000 at the Chelsey Community Center. There was also a silent auction held( Brock brought plenty of unique Capitals’ items to auction off) with proceeds to support Arran-Elderslie Minor Sports and Canadian Mental Health Association Grey-Bruce. STORY HERE
Scott Murray: August 4, 2018 St. Clements, Ontario
Current goalie whisperer, Scott Murray, made one of his first stop with The Cup at Stemmler Meats in Heidelberg, Ontario. From there he visited the St. Clements and District Community Center where he posed for pictures. He completed his with day with a private pig roast party and a ride through the neighborhood with Lord Stanley. STORY HERE
Tom Wilson: August 5, 2018 Toronto, Canada
Owns “real estate ” in the heads of oh so many teams. Tom and his family spent much of the day in the north Toronto area. Willy’s public event was held at the North Toronto Memorial Arena where he met the children from SickKids and answered questions from some of the children in attendance. STORY HERE
Devante Smith-Pelly:August 6, 2018 Ontario, Canada
Mr. “Clutch” in the playoffs, DEVO, as he is known by the team and fans alike, first stopped by Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children. Later in the day Devante held a public appearance at the Black Dog Pub, Scarborough, Ontario. It was a rainy day but it surely wasn’t going to deter the fans from getting a picture at the viewing party. STORY HERE
Lars Eller: August 8, 2018 Rodovere, Denmark
He saved their “bacon” in Columbus, stepped up when Backstrom was injured, AND scored The Cup clinching goal. Lord Stanley visits Denmark for the first time in history. Eller, his daughter, and the Cup arrived to the public event in a 1969 Buick Wildcat. A true Danish sports ambassador. STORY HERE
Andre Burakovsky: August 9, 2018 Malmo, Sweden
Maturing as a Washington Capital. This was the first time the Stanley Cup made a visit to Malmo. Burky made a point to visit the local skating rink in Limhamm where he began skating when he was six years old. His day ended with a private party with family and friends, and Jakub Vrana, who also invited Burky to his day with The Cup. STORY HERE
Christian Djoos: August 11, 2018 Gavle, Sweden
He proved size doesn’t always matter. The first stop for Christian was a visit with his old Swedish Hockey League team, Brynas IF where he was joined by Nicklas Backstrom who is also an alumni of Brynas. The two participated in the annual Bryna Black-White exhibition game the previous day. STORY HERE
Nicklas Backstrom: August 12, 2018 NickBack Arena, Valbo, Sweden
Smiling Backy is the BEST Backy! After spending the day in Malmo with Andre Burakovsky and Christian Djoos in Gavle, Backstrom began his day at his home in Valbo by eating breakfast out of The Cup. He let his children Haley and Vince decide what would be served in the Cup; their choice, ice cream; breakfast of champions! STORY HERE
Philipp Grubauer: August 13, 2018 Rosenheim, Germany
Part of the best goalie tandem in the league. We will miss you Grubi! Grubauer met the Stanley Cup at the Munich airport decked out in traditional German/Bavarian lederhosen. Grubi was signed into the “Golden Book” of the city of Rosenheim. STORY HERE
Evgeny Kuznetsov: August 15, 2018 Chelyabinsk, Russia
Our ” Family Feud” loving Bird Man has his day with the Stanley Cup. Kuzy posed for pictures with fans while pictures of both his NHL and KHL career highlights hung in the background. He brought The Cup to Traktor Arena where he was honored at center ice before the puck drop for a pre-season game with Traktor Chelyabinsk. Topping off his day was a private party with friends and family that included former Capital Stanislav Galiev, who now plays for the KHL. STORY HERE
Dmitry Orlov: August 17, 2018 Novokuznetsk, Russia
Hips that should be registered as lethal weapons; just ask Matt Duchene. The Cup took a wrong turn and arrived six hours late to Dmitry’s celebration, but that didn’t affect the celebration which also coincided with the 400th Anniversary of the city of Novokuznetsk. “Snarls” ( what an awesome nickname for a defenseman) hosted a private celebration for family and friends later in the evening and made his entrance being “serenaded” by pyrotechnics and flame throwers! STORY HERE
Brett Connolly: August 20, 2018 Prince George, B.C. Canada
A “Conn” man with a big heart. Before attending his public event Brett brought the Stanley Cup to a local retirement home, Gateway Lodge, where he shared it with residents including 100 year old Elsie Christensen. As part of his day, Connolly brought the cup to CN Centre, home of the Prince George Cougars of the WHL. He stated early on that he wanted to share The Cup with the future of the game of hockey. (local youth hockey) STORY HERE
Jay Beagle: August 21, 2018 Calgary, AB, Canada
“Top dog” gets his day with the top prize. In true Beagle fashion, (doing what he does best), Jay started his day by visiting the Alberta Children’s Hospital and making sure everyone that wanted to were able to get their picture taken with Lord Stanley. We all know Beags is low key so it was no surprise to see him chauffeuring The Cup around town in his 1986 GMC Jimmy. Can we get those beautiful squinty eyes a pair of sunglasses? STORY HERE
Barry Trotz: August 22, 2018 Dauphin, Manitoba
In Trotz we trusted. Barry started his day by picking up The Cup at the Dauphin Airport. A parade down Dauphin’s Main Street was held in his honor. During his day with The Cup, a Hockey Hall of Fame official gave a brief overview and history of Lord Stanley; who knew the coveted chalice could hold fourteen beers! STORY HERE
Chandler Stephenson: August 23, 2018 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
From being waived to being a Stanley Cup Champion! Stephenson is the 15th Saskatoon born NHL player to hoist The Cup. A public even was held at the Viny Memorial in Kiwanis Park where Chandler met with fans, signed autographs, and posed for photos with the Stanley Cup. STORY HERE
Chandler Stephenson: August 24, 2018 Humboldt, Saskatchewan
Stephenson knew he was taking The Cup to Humboldt, even before they won the Stanley Cup. His appearance for the day also coincided with Humboldt Hockey day, and the first day of the Broncos training camp. The first stop on the way to Humboldt was the accident site . ” While their Stanley Cup dreams went unfulfilled, we thought we’d bring Lord Stanley to them”. #HumboldtStrong STORY HERE
Sergey Kocharov: August 25, 2018 Scottsdale, Arizona
We know who the “keeper” of The Cup is, now meet the “keeper” of the Caps. Kocharov, Vice President of Communications with the Washington Capitals, began his day with a visit with HopeKids at the Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. Both of Sergeys’ grandmothers were also part of the celebration with Lord Stanley and took a picture that will surely melt your heart. STORY HERE
Lane Lambert: August 26, 2018 Scottsdale, Arizona
Stanley Cup Champion and now married man! From the “its a small world” category, Chandler Stephenson grew up as the next-door neighbor to Lambert. He started his day, or should I say, his daughter started her day with breakfast out of The Cup;Lucky Charms;seems appropo as the team has always said a little luck is always needed to go far in the playoffs. After a few stops along the way, “Lambo” ended his day with Lord Stanley at a private event where he entered with The Cup like the true champion he is; raised above his head. STORY HERE
Cleo Bates: August 27, 2018 Dallas, Texas
Lord Stanley “participates” in a yoga class with Bates, who as the massage therapist for the Washington Capitals, just finished his first year with the team. What a year end bonus! Cleo and The Cup attended a public event raising money for Jared Sandler’ The Sandlot Children’s Charity, which officially launched the same day as The Cup visit. STORY HERE
Blaine Forsythe: August 29, 2018 Plymouth, Massachusetts
Lord Stanley made a return to the east coast for the first time since July 18th. Forsythe, assistant coach responsible for the team’s power play, and centers, held a public event at Mainstreet Sports, Plymouth Massachusetts. Included in the event was an auction benefitting “To the Moon and Back, and Plymouth Youth Foundation. STORY HERE
Brooks Orpik: August 30, 2018 Cohasset, Massachusetts
“Batya”, as he was affectionately and respectfully named by Kuznetsov, was the only Washington Capital to have won a Stanley Cup prior to this last season. (We won’t name that other team because this one is the only one that maters) Brooks’ day seemed to mirror his demeanor; chill; ice cream, wine, coffee, pictures on the beach. Orpik also made time in his day with The Cup to visit both the Cohasset Police station, and gentlemen from his alma mater, and the Boston College hockey program. STORY HERE
Ray Straccia: August 31, 2018 Allentown, Pennsylvania
After spending the day with Capitals’ assistant equipment manager Ray Straccia, Lord Stanley will certainly need a day of detox and dieting. First stop on his day with The Cup, Ray made a quick stop for lunch at Yocco’s Hot Dogs. Another first, we think, is enjoying an icee in the coveted chalice at the local WaWa. STORY HERE
Ted Leonsis: September 1, 2018 Potomac, Maryland
Two weddings in less than a week; Lord Stanley has been one busy chalice. Capitals’ owner Leonsis was very low -key with his time with The Cup. Included in his day of celebration was the marriage of his daughter, Elle Leonsis, to Toby Helme, and a small gathering of family and friends at his home in surburban Maryland. STORY HERE
Alex Chiasson: September 2, 2018 Quebec City
Chiasson is the last player from the championship roster to have their day with The Cup. Alex invited local fans to celebrate with him at the Saint-Francois Seminart, where he played for the Blizzard; Jonathan Marchessault, a good friend of Alex, also made a surprise appearance. STORY HERE
Steve Richmond: September 4, 2018 Lake Zurich, Illinois
After so many alcoholic beverages, Lord Stanley is probably happy to be having a “sip” of coffee. Richmond, director of player development for the Capitals, started his day of celebration at his favorite breakfast place, Granny’s, where he has patronaged for over thirty years. STORY HERE
Mitch Korn/John Walton: September 5, 2018 Oxford, Ohio
Former goalie whisperer Mitch Korn, and the charismatic voice of the Washington Capitals, John Walton, held a public event with The Cup at the Goggin Ice Center in Oxford. A ceremony honoring the championship duo also took place at Goggin , which included the unfurling of a banner in Korn’s honor. John Walton was overjoyed to be able to share in the celebrations with his father, John Walton Sr.STORY HERE
Jeremy Sinton/H.T. Lenz: September 20, 2018 Alexandria, Virginia/Washington DC
Lord Stanley returned to the United States after spending ten days in China. Sinton, the Capitals operations assistant spent his time with The Cup hosting a gathering at his home in Alexandria, Virginia. STORY HERE
After spending the day with Sinton, Lord Stanley spent the evening with Lenz who is the manager of analytics for the Capitals. His celebration took place at the Commodore Public House & Kitchen. STORY HERE
Don Fishman: September 21, 2018 Washington DC
Fishman, who is the assistant general manager and director of legal affairs, began his day with The Cup at the beautiful Hay-Adams; “having” a bloody mary may have been a first for the coveted chalice this summer/fall. Although it took a bit too long,(his words)forty-four years, Fishman was able to hand the trophy to his dad while visiting the Sunrise Senior Center. STORY HERE
Kris Wagner: October 12, 2018 Columbus, Ohio
The season may be under way, but the Stanley Cup celebrations continue. On Friday, October 12th, the Stanley Cup visited Columbus, Ohio, to spend the day with the Capitals Director of Hockey Operations, Kris Wagner. STORY HERE.
Jason Fitzsimmons: October 19 Charleston, South Carolina
The Stanley Cup returned to South Carolina for a weekend. First stop was a day with Capitals Scout and for South Carolina Stingrays coach Jason Fitzsimmons. STORY HERE:
A.J. Toews, October 20, 2018 Delano, Minnesota
After spending a busy weekend in Charleston, South Carolina with Jason Fitzsimmons and the South Carolina Stingrays, the Stanley Cup returned to the state of Minnesota for a day with Capitals Scout A.J. Toews. STORY HERE.
Olaf Kolzig, October 23, Tri–Cities, Washington
Following the Cup’s return to Minnesota, it was off to Tri-Cities, Washington for a day with former Capitals netminder and current development coach, Olaf Kolzig. “Oli”, who claims he has no hometown, decided to have his day in Tri-Cities, where he is part owner of the Tri-City Americans of the WHL. STORY HERE.
Terry Richardson, October 24, Langley, British Columbia
The Stanley Cup was driven from Olie Kolzig’s event in Tri-Cities, Washington to Langley, British, Columbia, by Howie Barrow, one of the six “Keepers of the Cup”, and Terry Richardson, a Western Scout for the Capitals, who had his day with the Cup. STORY HERE.
Tim Barnes, October 25, Calgary, Alberta
Thursday, October 25 was Tim Barne’s (aka Vic Ferrari) day with the Stanley Cup in Calgary, Alberta. Barnes is the Director of Hockey Analytics for the Capitals. STORY HERE
Brian Sutherby, October 26, Edmonton, Alberta
Friday, October 26 was former Capitals centerman Brian Surherby’s day with the Stanley Cup in Edmonton, Alberta. Sutherby is currently a western scout for the Capitals. STORY HERE.
Although the individual player celebrations with Lord Stanley are over (has it really been 100 days), the celebration of a lifetime is yet to come. The Cup has been sent off for engraving STORY HERE and will return for the October 1st ceremony where the Washington Capitals will receive their Stanley Cup rings. After that, Capital One Arena (with Lord Stanley in attendance ) will be #RockingTheRed in #ALLCAPS, because it’s #AllOurs! October 3, 2018 will be a day no one will EVER forget.
Introductions written and curated by Lisa Desabrais
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