Coach Randy, his son Scott, and the Callihan family represented the NOVA Cool Cats at the Capitals Convention on Sat., Sept. 26 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, MD.

The Washington Capitals invited the four Special Hockey teams in the Baltimore-Washington area— Baltimore Saints, Montgomery Cheetahs, NOVA Cool Cats, and Washington Ice Dogs—to represent their teams at the inaugural event.

The teams were invited because of their involvement in Hockey is for Everyone (HIFE), a NHL initiative that provides support to nonprofit youth hockey organizations across North America that are committed to offering children of all backgrounds opportunities to play hockey.

The American Special Hockey Association (ASHA) had a table, exhibiting information and team jerseys of the four local Special Hockey teams for the sold-out crowd of 5,000 fans to visit in between panel discussions, interactive skills sessions, autographs and photo opportunities.

ASHA president Mike Hickey volunteered at the table, as well as Elias and his father George from the Cheetahs, Joe Howe from the Ice Dogs, and Jimmy and his mother from the Saints. 

Many old and new friends visited the table, some donated.

When not volunteering, Scott had a chance to partake in some of the festivities. He took a picture with Capitals’ mascot Slapshot and enjoyed taking a few shots in the goalie station. With his love for cars, Scott sat in both Mercedes on display. As a take home prize, Scott and his teammate Robbie Callihan got their hands on cool Alex Ovechkin action figures.

A highlight of the day might have been when Scott met a VIP in the Caps organization. Scott loves to meet new people and ask their name. While walking the convention floor, he met and shook hands with a well-dressed man. Scott politely asked the gentleman his name and the man replied, “I am Ted Leonsis.” Content with hearing the man’s name, Scott simply walked away. Ted smiled and said, “He must not be very impressed.”

Scott might not have seemed impressed with meeting Leonsis, but he must have been impressed with his time at the event for he has been excitedly saying that he is Caps fan ever since the all-day affair. Lunch at the restaurant “Ketchup” with six different types of ketchups and three different types of French fries made an impact on the day, too.

The NOVA Cool Cats would like to thank the following people that helped make the day entertaining:

Tim Bronaugh, Washington Capitals

Elizabeth Wodatch, Washington Capitals

Peter Robinson, Washington Capitals

Matt Flynn, Washington Capitals

Tim Burt

Christine Downing

Beth and Charlotte Lenz, Kettler Capitals Iceplex
American Special Hockey Association, ASHA
Washington Fan Club
The Washington Capitals



Scott and Slapshot



Scott taking shots as a goalie

Scott and Robbie in front of the restaurant Ketchup