Caps Fans Rock the Red at First Ever Convention

There was plenty to do, even if you couldn't get in to see your favorite players: clinics for kids, autograph sessions with Capitals alumni, plus a host of interactive exhibits. For die-hard hockey fans, the panels gave an in-depth look into the Caps organization. Everyone, from the media who call the games to the front office teams, were available to talk to fans: I sat in on the "Let's Make a Deal" panel, which featured General Manager George McPhee and team President Dick Patrick. Not knowing squat about the precise details behind salary caps and negotiating player trades, this was an informative look at what goes on behind the scenes of an NHL club.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman's comments during the opening ceremony also caused some chatter. Fans were none too pleased that he chose to knock the Caps for their less-than-stellar outing in Game 7 of last year's Stanley Cup playoffs against the hated Penguins. When a fan jokingly asked Bettman about the "rumors" that he rigged the league to let the Pens win last year, he replied, "Well I wasn't the one who played Game 7." Ouch, Mr. Commissioner.

Hands down, the most entertaining panel of the day had to be the "Kids Ask the Craziest Questions" session, a mock press conference for kids 14 and under. It featured forwards Matt Bradley, David Steckel and Brooks Laich. Kids asking questions is never not going to be cute, and all three were very good sports about the whole thing.

Moderated by Mix 107.3's Chili Amar, it got off to a weird start while Amar harassed Laich on whether he had a girlfriend or not, but settled down once the kids took over. Important things learned: part of Bradley's pre-game routine consists of giving Boyd Gordon's jockstrap a fist bump. Through the hysterical laughter on stage and in the crowd, you could barely make out Laich saying, "It's so funny, because neither of them can play unless it happens!" Another kid adorably asked, "Do you wear Iron Man underoos?"

Sadly, all three answered no to that one.

The only disappointment was the Young Guns panel that featured superstar Alex Ovechkin, Mike Green and Nicklas Backstrom. The guys were game and answered the questions as best they could, but unless you were among the lucky few to camp early for a good spot, it was neatly impossible to hear them. DC101's Elliott in the Morning kept harassing Ovie about the unfortunate interview he gave over the summer to a Russian sports station, about his personal "pre-game routine." Predictably, Ovechkin and Green were mobbed almost the entire time they were at the convention; I don't think any fans really got close to them outside of official photo ops.

Despite that singular let down, the players and fans behaved well enough, aside from the isolated incidents of women throwing underwear or the rare fan chastising players to their faces. All in all, it was a great way to kick off what should be a fantastic season of hockey in D.C.