Capitals fans bittersweet at Ovechkin's final home opener
Supporters at Capital One Arena described gratitude and sadness as Washington began its home schedule during the captain’s farewell season.
Washington Capitals supporters arrived early at Capital One Arena on Wednesday, Oct. 7, with mixed feelings about Alex Ovechkin’s final NHL home opener, NHL.com reported.
Two days after the captain announced this would be his last NHL season, fans gathered by the glass for warmups before Washington hosted Pittsburgh.
Ian Hibbeler, a season ticket holder from Fredericksburg, Virginia, told NHL.com he had hoped Ovechkin would play longer but understood the decision. “Father Time is undefeated,” he said, crediting the captain with helping hockey grow around Washington.
June Haviland, a retiree from Woodbridge, Virginia, said she was saddened by the approaching farewell while accepting Ovechkin’s choice.
Fellow Woodbridge resident Jefferson Mason said Ovechkin’s scoring had helped draw him to hockey. Neal Oakman, who attended with Mason, described his gratitude for watching Ovechkin’s impact on the region.
Their reactions offered a view from the stands as Washington began its home schedule during the captain’s farewell season.
