The Washington Capitals will hit the ice for the first official time this preseason on Saturday, beginning with 2023’s Rookie Camp.
The first day of camp begins Saturday at the MedStar Capitals Iceplex before heading to Navy’s McMullen Hockey Arena for the next three days. The team announced its 21-player roster on Monday, highlighted by first-time attendees Ivan Miroshnichenko and Andrew Cristall.
NCAA players cannot attend so 2023 first-round draft selection Ryan Leonard will not be participating this year.
Miroshnichenko will participate in his first Rookie Camp with the Caps since being drafted by the team 20th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft. The 19-year-old Russian negotiated with KHL club Avangard Omsk last season to terminate his contract and allow him to sign his entry-level deal in Washington.
The talented winger made his first on-ice, Caps-related appearance this past summer’s Development Camp. Miroshnichenko is already in the DC area, most recently pictured Sunday at the Washington Commanders’ NFL home opener.
Miroshnichenko mentioned in July that his main goal for this season was to try and make the Caps out of training camp. Rookie Camp was his first attempt to make such an impression. “Obviously, there are many good players, many veteran players in the team so it will be difficult but that is my goal,” said Miroshnichenko. “That’s my main focus.”
Cristall is the highest player drafted by the Caps in 2023 who is in camp. Super phenom and Chicago Blackhawks number one overall pick Connor Bedard commented on his good friend Cristall at the NHLPA Rookie Showcase last week. “”Seeing his progress, there wasn’t a time he wasn’t producing,” Bedard said. “You play against older guys, for him, and just find a way to do it. Playing a line with him was a lot of fun, and I think that’s what made me think of that.
“Washington should be very happy about him. He’s a hell of a player and he’s going to be exciting to watch.
Alexander Suzdalev, who played with Bedard last season in Regina, Hendrix Lapierre, and Vincent Iorio were some of the other big names in attendance. Lapierre and Iorio are both coming to help the Hershey Bears bring home the 2023 Calder Cup.
12 of the 21 players in attendance were Caps draft picks. Six players are invited free agents, led by Virginia native Ryan Leibold who was also a participant in the recent Development Camp.
Here’s the full press release from the Capitals:
Capitals Announce 2023 Rookie Camp Roster and Schedule
The camp will start on Saturday, Sept. 16 at the MedStar Capitals Iceplex before moving to the McMullen Hockey Arena in Annapolis for on-ice sessions Sept. 17-19
ARLINGTON, Va. – The Washington Capitals will hold their 2023 Rookie Camp from Sept. 16-19 at the MedStar Capitals Iceplex and the John McMullen Hockey Arena in Annapolis, Md. Camp starts on Saturday, Sept. 16 at the MedStar Capitals Iceplex before moving to the McMullen Hockey Arena, located near the campus of the United States Naval Academy, for on-ice sessions in Annapolis from Sept. 17-19. In addition to practices, players will participate in team-building exercises, attend Noon Meal Formation and have lunch with USNA midshipmen.
The new camp will feature Capitals prospects under contract and new Washington draft picks who have yet to sign. In addition, several undrafted and free agent amateur players will be in attendance.
The Washington Capitals’ 2023 Rookie Camp Guide can be found here.
All on-ice sessions at the MedStar Capitals Iceplex and McMullen Hockey Arena are open to the public and free of charge.
A total of 21 players (11 forwards, six defensemen, four goaltenders) are scheduled to participate in this year’s rookie camp, including 12 Caps draft picks.
The Capitals will officially open their 2023 Training Camp this Thursday, September 21 at the MedStar Capitals Iceplex. All Capitals players, coaches and management are available to the media. Additional information on media availability and human access will be announced at a later date. As in previous years, the MedStar Capitals Iceplex will be closed to the media on Wednesday, Sept. The complete training camp schedule and roster will be announced at a later date.
CAPITAL FUTURE SCHEDULE
Saturday, September 16 – Start of Capitals Rookie Camp
11:30 am – Goalies on ice (MedStar Capitals Iceplex)
12-1:15 pm – Practice (MedStar Capitals Iceplex)
After practice – Media availability
Sunday, September 17
9 am – Goalies on ice (McMullen Hockey Arena)
9:30-10:45 am – Practice (McMullen Hockey Arena)
After practice – Media availability
Monday, September 18
9 am – Goalies on ice (McMullen Hockey Arena)
9:30-10:45 am – Practice (McMullen Hockey Arena)
After practice – Media availability
Tuesday, September 19 – Final Day of Capitals Rookie Camp
9 am – Goalies on ice (McMullen Hockey Arena)
9:30-10:45 am – Practice (McMullen Hockey Arena)
After practice – Media availability
Wednesday, September 20
NHL players physicals/testing – no media available
MedStar Capitals Iceplex is closed to the public
Thursday, September 21
2023 Caps Media Day, MedStar Capitals Iceplex
Sunday, September 24 – First Preseason Game
2 pm – Washington vs. Buffalo, Capital One Arena
*All practice times and media availability sessions are approximate and subject to change.
Header image: Alan Dobbins/RMNB