The Washington Capitals began formal on-ice workouts ahead of the 2022-23 season on Friday at MedStar Capitals Iceplex with their roster of rookies.

With head coach Peter Laviolette, general manager Brian MacLellan and team scouts on-hand, 18 prospects led by 2020 1st round draft pick Hendrix Lapierre practiced for about 90 minutes on Friday.

School’s in session. #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/AtID2uEtei

— Capitals Prospects (@jon_m_sorensen) September 16, 2022

Members of the Caps coaching staff put the group through a series of drills focused on passing, puck control, stick handling, defense and shooting. There was a mix of full-ice drills simulating the act of transitioning the puck from zone to zone, odd-man rushes, and tight quarters passing.

The two goalies on the Rookie Camp roster, Clay Stevenson and Garin Bjorklund, got put through their paces and faced plenty of shots.

#Capitals opened Rookie Camp this morning at @MedStarIceplex Smaller group (18) than usual. Rookie Camp runs through Monday, with #Caps main camp opening on Thursday. #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/2KzMe6qibf

— Capitals Prospects (@jon_m_sorensen) September 16, 2022

While there were no full five-on-five drills, there was plenty of three-on-three action on the ice, including at the end of practice. Goals were set up at both blue lines, and players would jump on the ice from the benches and be fed pucks in an attempt to generate shots on net.

Isolation on Hendrix Lapierre. #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/x0x4PbIYmz

— Capitals Prospects (@jon_m_sorensen) September 16, 2022

Lapierre, who made his league debut and scored his first NHL goal on opening night a season ago, stood out among the group, showcasing his speed and ability in many of the drills.

The Caps 2022 third-round draft pick, Alexander Suzdalev, also made his presence known on the ice on day one of Rookie Camp. While it’s unlikely the 18-year-old Russian will dress in a Capitals uniform this season, he still got a taste of an NHL-level workout.

Alexander Suzdalev, the #Capitals 3rd round pick in this year’s draft and current @WHLPats gets in his first work at #ALLCAPS rookie camp. pic.twitter.com/DOs4GoOQLK

— Capitals Prospects (@jon_m_sorensen) September 16, 2022

Overall it was a productive first day on the ice for the rookies, who most likely be heading back to their respective junior teams before the end of the month.

Rookie Camp runs through September 19 at MedStar Capitals Iceplex. All practices are open to the public. 2022 Capitals Training Camp begins on September 22.

By Jordan Bondurant