Caps Present Courage Caps Check to USO

On Tuesday, Mike Knuble and Brendan Morrison represented the Capitals organization as they presented a check in the amount of $38,109.27 raised through the sale of Courage Caps, presented by Microsoft, to the USO of Metro Washington. Chief Operating Officer for the USO of Metropolitan Washington Cheryl Hall received the check along with the wounded warriors from Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the National Naval Medical Center.


While fans applaud the efforts the players bring to their battles on the ice, Knuble recognized the sacrifices of our country's true heroes  - especially those who have returned from combat with life-altering injuries. These brave soldiers exemplify the utmost courage, tenacity and dedication to preserving our freedom. Observing the wounded warriors who participated in a pratice on the Kettler Capitals rink, Knuble said “Just to see them out there playing hockey is inspiring,” Brendan Morrison voiced his agreement, saying: “These guys put their lives on the line for us everyday and to be able to see their passion for hockey is amazing."


Washington Capitals Charities provided ice time at Kettler Capitals Iceplex for 35 wounded warriors from USA Warriors to practice hockey – half of whom played sled hockey – before the check presentation. After their practice, the wounded warriors and their families were treated to lunch with Knuble and Morrison.


“To be able to spend some time with them after was special, to hangout and talk to them was great,” said Knuble. “It was nice to sit down and meet some of the guys and their families,” said Morrison.

Courage Caps, presented by Microsoft, are in their third season and have raised nearly $100,000 for local charities. Courage Caps are team-issued and branded hats that are sold at Capitals home games, at Kettler Capitals Iceplex and online at WashingtonCaps.com with 100% of the proceeds benefiting a different charity each year.

Thanks to all of the fabulous fans who helped the Caps in this most worthy effort and HM will join you all in remembering all the service members who have lost their lives serving our country this Memorial Day weekend.

And speaking of Mike Knuble, I was curious to hear if he had any thoughts on his former Flyers team getting into the playoffs in a last second shoot out and now representing the Eastern Conference in the Stanley Cup finals. The veteran forward shared his thoughts with CSN on coming to terms with the abrupt end to the Capitals' season along with his former team mates emergence from a season which saw their coach fired and an injury-plagued bench to capturing a spot in the finals. Yep, that's gotta be a tough one to stomach.

Before HM signs off to start packing for this weekend's tournament in Flyer-ville, I hope you all have a safe holiday weekend. Off to the rink....