ANNAPOLIS, Md- The NHL pulled off anamazing event at the United States Naval Academy’s Navy Marine Corps Stadium on Saturday, March 3, 2018. While the Washington Capitals vs the Toronto Maple Leafs was the main event, the surrounding festivities and activities were also the stars of the show.
From a pregame fan event with food, vendors, games and appearances by Olympic athletes, to the ceremonial puck drop, there was plenty for everyone to enjoy. The stadium playing surface was transformed to look like an aircraft carrier, complete with model airplane and navigational beacon in the “water”. There were military bands and bagpipes from both the Canadian and United States Navy. The gold medal U S men’s curling team and the gold medal U S women’s hockey teams were on hand and were honored throughout the event. Approximately 500 Midshipmen processed into the stadium to “man the rails”. The Naval Academy’s women’s ice hockey team along with the men’s D1 and D2 ice hockey teams were on the ice pregame to unfurl and hold the giant United States and Canadian flags during the National Anthems. There was a flyover of F18’s piloted by former Navy hockey players. The ceremonial puck for the puck drop was delivered to center ice attached to a curling stone from the U S gold medal curling team.
Once the game began, it was the Capitals dominating the Maple Leafs in a 5 – 2 victory.
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