Alex Ovechkin, alongside the Washington Capitals and the American Special Hockey Association, hosted a hockey clinic highlighting hockey’s inclusivity.

ARLINGTON, Va. — A handful of young hockey players from central Pennsylvania got a chance to meet one of their hockey heroes, Washington Capitals Captain Alex Ovechkin. 

The Hershey Heroes, a program that teaches individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities to ice skate and play hockey, were among a handful of teams that participated in a hockey clinic hosted by the Washington Capitals on Wednesday at the MedStar Capitals Iceplex in Arlington, Virginia. 

It’s all part of an initiative by Ovechkin and the Caps, in tandem with the Adult Special Hockey Association (ASHA), to give everyone a chance to play the sport. 

“A dream come true is the best way to say it. It goes to show the dedication that the Caps and Ovi has to recognizing special hockey and the importance of being able to have kids that have been told they can’t be given the opportunity, because each one of them has worked hard to get here,” said Michael Miller, head coach and founder of the Hershey Heroes, whose son, Nate, is also on the team. 

“The players are just so excited to be out here skating with professional hockey players that they look up to and watch play games,” said Hershey Heroes Assistant Coach Matt Swavely. “This is a dream come true to be on the ice with them.”

Gregory Kohler’s son, Griffin, had been counting down the days until the unforgettable day. He says the opportunity for his son to take part in something he loves with someone he admires is unbelievable. 

“Just to see them out there, to be able to play the game they love with the best player out there [is incredible],” said Kohler. “It was so nice to just see the joy and hear the joy on [Griffin’s] face, because we know he’s loving it out there.”

It’s a sentiment that was just as memorable for the kids as it was for Ovechkin,

“We can see how big right now it is, and I’m enjoying it too and hav[ing] fun with them,” said Ovechkin. “They’re happy, you see great celebration, and it was fun.”

His teammates, who the Hershey Heroes and other Chocolatetown fans are quite familiar with, could not agree more.

“I think it is massive. Obviously, he’s one of the best of all time, so he can probably draw a little more of a crowd than some of us,” said Ethen Frank, Washington Capitals forward and former Hershey Bear. “I think it just goes to show that even the best of the best are some of the most humble guys that like to help out the community.”

It’s one hockey clinic that makes a big difference.

“This isn’t just about 90 minutes on the ice or that quick interaction. It is how that impacts every life here and how that ripples out,” said Jennifer O’Brien, executive director for ASHA. “Hockey is for all, and [there’s] no better way to say it is that [than] when you have the greatest one out there [that] champions for you, then everyone knows they can reach their dreams.”

Ovechkin has hosted ASHA for hockey events for eight seasons and has been an ambassador since 2014. And just like Ovechkin, teams like the Hershey Heroes are looking for ambassadors to help their mission of making hockey available for all. 

“Hockey is literally for anyone. We can teach anyone to skate. So, if you have a desire, if you have an interest, we can, and we will,” said Miller. “If Ovi can [volunteer], anybody can. You think you’re busy? How busy do you think Ovi is, and yet he takes countless hours out every year to dedicate his time to special hockey.” 

More information on how to register or volunteer to help an ASHA team near you can be found on the organization’s website.