On April 14, the Washington Capitals hosted the teams first-ever college hockey fair. The event was conducted in conjunction with the D.C. areas USA Hockey Affiliate, the Potomac Valley Amateur Hockey Association (PVAHA) and was aimed at providing information and educating local players and their parents about the playing opportunities that exist beyond high school and the various paths a player can take in order to play college hockey.

The event was attended by more than 400 players and parents and was highlighted by a keynote address from Capitals vice president and general manger, George McPhee. McPhee played NCAA Division I hockey at Bowling Green State University and won the Hobey Baker Award as college hockeys top player in 1982.

Former Washington Capitals player, Craig Laughlin also spoke to the crowd to give them the perspective of a former player as well as that of a parent of a current college hockey player. Laughlin played NCAA Division I hockey at Clarkson University and currently has a son playing Division I hockey for former Capitals assistant coach Tim Army at Providence College.

After a presentation by USA Hockey National Coach-in-Chief, Al Bloomer, the attendees listened in on a panel discussion that was led by Laughlin. The panel consisted of coaches from more than a dozen colleges as well as a prep school coach and the president of the Atlantic Junior Hockey League. The programs represented ranged from NCAA Division I and Division III programs to non-varsity club programs. Players and parents had the opportunity to speak with the coaches on a one-on-one basis during a breakout session that followed the panel discussion.

The feedback from the players, parents and participating coaches was extremely positive. The Washington Capitals would like to thank PVAHA for its support and all of the volunteers from the D.C. area youth hockey community who helped make the event a success!