Washington Capitals

Reading Royals become Capitals and Bears affiliate

The Reading Royals of the ECHL, the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League and the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League jointly announced that they have entered into an exclusive affiliation arrangement, under which the Royals will receive players designated for assignment within the professional hockey operations development systems of the Capitals and Bears
"We are very pleased to announce our new ECHL affiliation with the Reading Royals," said Capitals' General Manager George McPhee. "The Royals are a first-class organization where our prospects will be playing in an environment that will help them develop to their ultimate potential. We feel the proximity to both Washington and our AHL affiliate in Hershey will be beneficial to all three clubs."

Washington Capitals get new coach

After one season in Tampa Bay and two seasons behind the New Jersey Devils' bench as an assistant coach, Adam Oates has his first job as head coach. He has signed with the Washington Capitals, replacing his former teammate Dale Hunter.

Ovechkin won’t play All Star Game

Upcoming January 29 All-Star Game won't count with Aleksandr Ovechkin. After the three games suspension taken for a charging incident with Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Zbynek Michalek last Sunday, Ovechkin said he dosn't deserve to partecipate in All-Star Game as a suspended player. In a statement NHL said it had "no intention of pursuing this matter further."

Capitals named new coach

Washington Capitals fired head coach Bruce Boudreau on Monday after a disappointing league start and a 5-1 loss to the Sabres on Saturday. Former team captain Dale Hunter was named new team's head coach. Hunter, 51, is one of just four players to have their numbers retired by the Washington Capitals. He captained the Capitals from the 1994-95 season until the 1998-99 and was named to the NHL All-Star Team in 1997. He played in 872 games for the Capitals from 1987-99 with 556 points (181 goals, 375 goals). As coach Hunter had spent the past 11 seasons in the Ontario Hockey League as coach of the London Knights.