Capitals to Host Maple Leafs in 2018 Coors Light NHL Stadium Series

ARLINGTON, Va. - The Washington Capitals will host the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2018 Coors Light NHL Stadium Series on March 3, 2018 at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Md., the NHL announced today.

"We look forward to welcoming the Toronto Maple Leafs and their fans to beautiful Annapolis next March for the first-ever outdoor hockey game at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium," Capitals majority owner Ted Leonsis said. "Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium will be a unique and historic setting for fans from all across our region to experience what promises to be a great hockey game. We are honored to have the opportunity to play at one of the very best institutions our region, and our country, have to offer - the United States Naval Academy."

"The Maple Leafs and Capitals will make their respective Coors Light NHL Stadium Series debuts in our inaugural outdoor game at a U. S. Service Academy," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said. "The energy and excitement will be extraordinary at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium when these teams resume the rivalry that reached new heights during their First Round playoff series this past April."
Located in historic Annapolis, the U.S. Naval Academy was founded in 1845 and prepares young men and women to become professional officers and leaders in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium first opened on Sept. 26, 1959. The stadium was funded by thousands of dedicated alumni, sailors, marines and friends of the United States Naval Academy. The stadium was later renovated and transformed into a state-of-the-art multiuse facility hosting Navy football, sprint football and men's and women's lacrosse as well as the Military Bowl and Baltimore Ravens' practices. The memorial aspects of the original structure, including hundreds of memorial plaques, were preserved and enhanced during the renovations, allowing visitors to chronologically view the story of the brave men and women who we honor for their service to our country.

"Our gratitude to the NHL and their administration for allowing us to host this special event and tribute to the military, and most especially the Naval Academy," U.S. Naval Academy Director of Athletics, Chet Gladchuk said. "Conducting this matchup in Annapolis will allow us to bring together our midshipmen, many from the Fleet, and the local community to enjoy a day of exciting action and add another chapter in the annals of our stadium's history."
The 2018 Coors Light NHL Stadium Series will mark the Capitals' third outdoor game. Washington defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-1 on Jan. 1, 2011 at the 2011 Bridgestone NHL
Winter Classic
at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh and defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 3-2 in Jan. 1, 2015 in the 2015 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic at Nationals Park. The Capitals are just one of six teams in the NHL to win two or more outdoor games.
The Capitals and the Maple Leafs have played each other 141 times during the regular season, of which the Capitals have a record of 71-54-16. Both teams have seen each other only once in the playoffs since the Capitals joined the League in the 1974-75 season and it was round one of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs, won by the Capitals in six games. All six games were decided by one goal, including five contests that required overtime.
Further details on the 2018 Coors Light NHL Stadium Series, including the official event logo, ticketing information and uniform design for each team, will be released in the coming months. Every Capitals full-season account holder will have the opportunity to purchase tickets for the 2018 Coors Light Stadium Series. Details on ticket availability and pricing will be sent to full season-ticket holders when they become available.
2018 Coors Light NHL Stadium Series™ FAQs available by clicking here
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