Photo © SuperTopher.

For as much as the Washington Capitals have struggled over the past decade, there are certain things that they’ve done right.

I spent much of last week in the Washington, DC area, tagging along on Elly’s business trip to Arlington. We were staying at a hotel near the Ballston Metro and to amuse myself while Elly was in meetings I wandered the neighbourhood.

Fortunately for this stereotypical Canadian boy, the Capitals operate a practice facility/public rink (the Kettler Iceplex) just a few blocks away from the hotel. …so I played the role of a rinkrat for much of my spare time. Waking up early for a $1 morning skate (skates included) one day, watching USA Hockey operate a clinic for young prospects the next.

Even apart from the ridiculously cheap skating (and in May no less!), the facility really is something to be admired. Two ice surfaces. Located at the top of a parking garage (which means ample parking, though perhaps awkward pedestrian access and signage). A Capitals team store that almost had me buying a T-shirt with Cyrillic characters.

To top it off, though the team was out of the playoffs by just a few days, most of the Capitals’ practices are open to the public, which is fantastic for team-fan relations.