The Washington Capitals released their 2025 preseason schedule on Thursday, and one of the games is particularly special.
The Caps will play their second exhibition game at Hershey’s Giant Center.
“We’re excited to bring our team to Hershey for this preseason matchup against the Philadelphia Flyers,” Capitals’ GM Chris Patrick said in a release. “Hershey has a rich hockey tradition, and we are proud to be a part of that legacy through our longstanding and successful partnership with our AHL affiliate. The affiliation between our two organizations has been essential in developing our players, instilling our organizational values and building a strong connection with the local community. We look forward to the chance to engage with the passionate and loyal fans who make Hershey such a special place for hockey.”
The Capitals’ preseason game in Hershey will take place on Thursday, September 25 at 7 pm. The matchup with the Philadelphia Flyers will mark the third time the Capitals have hosted a game at the venue and will be the first NHL game there in 19 years. Since opening in 2002, the Giant Center has hosted four different NHL preseason games in its history.
Per the Bears:
Previous NHL preseason games at Giant Center included the initial NHL contest on Oct. 2, 2003 when the Flyers were bested by the New York Islanders. On Sept. 25, 2005, the Capitals and Penguins played at Giant Center in a game that saw Alex Ovechkin take the ice for Washington ahead of his record-setting rookie season. The following year, Hockey Hall of Fame goaltender Martin Brodeur helped the New Jersey Devils to a win over the Capitals in Hershey on Sept. 24, 2006.
“We are proud of our partnership with the Washington Capitals and we look forward to welcoming them and the Philadelphia Flyers to Giant Center in September,” Bryan Helmer, Hershey’s vice president of hockey operations, said. “Hershey is a historic hockey market that has played a large role in the careers of many NHL players over the years. We are excited to showcase NHL action to our dedicated fans who are the best in the American Hockey League and are sure to provide a great atmosphere for this marquee showcase.”
The Capitals had 15 players on their 2024-25 roster who suited up for the Bears at one time, including John Carlson, Connor McMichael, Aliaksei Protas, Ethen Frank, and Dylan McIlrath. Spencer Carbery was Hershey’s head coach from 2018-21, taking home the Louis A.R. Pieri Memorial Award as the AHL’s best bench boss in 2020-21. Assistant coach Scott Allen, goaltending coach Scott Murray, and video coach Emily Engle-Natzke were also promoted from the Bears.
The game may also allow Alex Ovechkin to follow through on a joke he made during his final media availability of last season. The Capitals captain cracked that he would join Hershey for their playoff run after the Caps were eliminated in the playoffs by the Carolina Hurricanes. While Ovechkin never showed up, a Bears fan did wearing his jersey with Hershey colors.
