By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Chris Lussier, U.S. Naval Academy Public Affairs

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (NNS) -- The Washington Capitals, Washington, D.C.’s, professional hockey
team, spent Sept. 16 with the U.S. Naval Academy’s hockey team at the academy’s obstacle course
 for a day of team-building exercises.

The Capitals have a long-standing relationship with the Midshipmen. Head Coach Glen Hanlon
volunteered with the academy hockey team during the 2004-05 NHL lockout. That relationship
led to the team-building day at the obstacle course.

“It’s surreal to be around them. I’ve watched some of them since I was 12 and for them to really
be here is cool,” said Midshipman 3rd Class Aaron Erzinger.

The Capital players and their amateur hockey league affiliates, the Hershey Bears, were paired up
into teams of two with the Midshipmen, with the pairs competing against each other.

The Midshipmen then introduced the Capitols and the Bears to the Tarzan Assault Course, a high
ropes confidence course. The Midshipmen showed their guests the proper way to wear the safety
harnesses, instructed them on attaching the safety ropes, and gave them advice on the best way to
handle the course.

When the first set of Capitals were completely outfitted with safety gear and fully briefed on proper
rope technique, the real fun began. Capitals' left wing Alex Ovechkin, center Rico Fata, left wing Donald
Brashear, and right wing Richard Zednick were among the first of the Capitals to tackle the course.

“I was surprised at how friendly they were, more like peers than our idols,” said Midshipman 4th Class
Andrew Ochalek.