ARLINGTON, VA - The Washington Capitals will hold a pre-game ceremony on Oct. 27 against the Minnesota Wild to honor the 2023 Calder Cup Champion Hershey Bears. Hershey Bears players including captain Dylan McIlrath, Aaron Ness and Mike Vecchione will participate in a ceremonial puck drop.
As part of the evening festivities, fans are invited to a pre-game Block Party at District E at Capital One Arena beginning at 5 p.m. The Block Party will feature the opportunity to take a photo with the Calder Cup from 5:30-6:30 p.m., with the 5:30-5:45 time frame exclusive to season-ticket members. In addition, live music will feature pop covers by Honeydu. Along with food and drink specials, there will also be appearances by Capitals alumni and giveaways.
In addition, fans are invited to view the Calder Cup on the 100-level concourse during the first period.
The Bears, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Capitals, defeated the Coachella Valley Firebirds 3-2 in overtime in Game 7 of the Calder Cup Finals to capture the franchise’s AHL-record 12th championship. The Bears won their fourth Calder Cup since becoming the top development affiliate of the Capitals in 2005-06, with Hershey also winning in 2006, 2009 and 2010. The Capitals and Bears were previously affiliated for seven seasons from 1977 to 1984, including Hershey’s 1980 Calder Cup championship.
