As the Washington Capitals prospects found themselves uniting with familiar and
 new faces at development camp, nerves had kicked in, especially for the newest
 members of the organization who were drafted just a week earlier. However, it
took just one day together for the nerves to pass, and by the end of the week,
many of the prospects were already becoming close friends, joking around and
chatting as they packed their bags and said their goodbyes until training camp.

"I think a lot of us were nervous coming into the week," 2018 second-round pick
 Kody Clark said. "But it only took a couple hours before we were all pretty
good friends. I know we';ll all keep in touch throughout the summer and then
coming back."Washington';s prospects got to spend time together in a variety of
 ways over the week. (Sammi Silber/THW)

Over the course of the week, the Capitals prospects would compete with each
other on the ice, taking part in drills and scrimmages that could get a bit
physical and aggressive. However, off the ice, the players got to become
friends with one another, bonding over things like Netflix, dining and even
Fortnite. While these activities helped break the ice for the players, Clark
explained that simply playing hockey and being a part of that community plays
an important role in the connection between the players.

"I don';t think it really matters where you';re from, I think when you all play
 hockey and you all have that hockey bond, I think it';s pretty easy to get
along with everyone," Clark said.Capitals Talk Cuisine

One of the main things Washington';s prospects did off the ice was going to
many different restaurants around D.C. and Arlington, Virginia, exploring the
culinary scene and eating well following long days and workouts at camp.

"We did a lot of stuff together, but I think we ate lunch and dinner the whole
week together," defensive prospect Jonas Siegenthaler said. "I think we got to
know each other pretty well, everybody. It was kind of like bonding."

Washington';s 2018 first-round pick Alex Alexeyev agreed, saying that one of
the best parts of the week after practice was getting rest and dining with his
teammates, which helped them prepare for the upcoming days of work on the ice.

"[We] have good food," Alexeyev laughed.  "Get dinner, lunch, breakfast and
[then] get back to bed and sleep."Siegenthaler explained that he and his
teammates bonded over food during their tenure at development camp. (Sammi
Silber/THW)

Among the Capitals'; prospects, Asian food is a popular choice. Alexeyev is a
big fan of sushi, one of the many meals he and Washington';s youngsters shared
together. Another hot spot was P.F. Chang';s, a Chinese restaurant that
Siegenthaler cites as his favorite place to eat in the D.C. area.

"I go to eat there every day," Siegenthaler said before describing his order.
"For starts, [I order] the lettuce wraps with chicken, 100 percent, then I';m
gonna have the shrimp and chicken bowl."

In addition to exploring Japanese and Chinese restaurants, the prospects also
got to enjoy food from the Capitals'; chef, and also eat at the local hotel.
They also made a visit to a local Greek restaurant amongst other places. But
ultimately, despite the meal or the place, cuisine was an integral part of the
players'; experience and connection with one another.Capitals Explore Monuments
 & Movies

One of the big activities, especially for first-year prospects and 2018 draft
picks, was touring the monuments throughout the Nation';s Capitol and seeing
D.C. for the first time.

"Amazing place," Alexeyev said of his first visit to the district. "We went in
a truck and drive on a bus there, so I saw lots of nice places. Really nice
city."

In addition to dining out and exploring D.C. together, Washington';s prospects
decided to take it easy after long days on the ice and relax by watching movies
 with one another.

"We';ve watched a lot of movies, Netflix... whenever we have spare time, we';re
 usually spending it together," Clark said.Many of the Capitals prospects enjoy
 spending time together in a variety of ways, including through Netflix. (Sammi
 Silber/THW)

Clark';s favorite movie of all time is Pink Panther, a film that he and his
friends from back home watched all the time growing up. He also shares a show
in common with fellow prospect Beck Malenstyn; "Friends" is a favorite of
theirs, and both have seen every episode more than once. Malenstyn';s made it
through the show "three or four times," while Clark has "watched the whole
series 10 times now."

Ultimately, whether Washington';s up-and-comers are catching up on their
favorite shows, exploring the city or dining out together, they understand and
enjoy the time they spend with their fellow teammates as they pursue pro
careers together within the same organization.

"You get to meet a lot of really great people, and hopefully, I think as we go
through this roller coaster ride

The post Capitals'; Prospects Break Ice With Meals, Movies & Monuments appeared
 first on The Hockey Writers.

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