Jeff Halpern Named Captain of Capitals

[VodkaFish]

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Center Jeff Halpern will serve as the captain of the Washington Capitals, vice president and general manager George McPhee announced tonight at the Capitals’ Fan Fest event at the Ballston Common Mall in Arlington, Va. Halpern, a Potomac, Md., native becomes the 12th captain in the 32-year history of the Washington Capitals.

“Jeff has the talent, maturity and leadership to captain the Washington Capitals,” McPhee said. “He carries himself well at all times and is respected by his teammates and the coaching staff. We believe he will be an excellent captain.”

“It’s a very humbling experience,” Halpern said after the announcement. “I think there are still a lot of guys who I can lean on – the Olie Kolzigs and Brendan Witts, who are guys I’ve always looked up to for their leadership.”

Halpern, 29, joined the Capitals as an undrafted free agent on March 30, 1999, and made the NHL club as a rookie in 1999-2000. He has played 368 games with the Capitals in his six years with the organization and ranks 32nd on the team’s all-time scoring list with 170 career points (76 goals, 94 assists). In 2003-04 Halpern led the team in goals (19), assists (27) and points (46) while establishing career highs in assists and points. He has represented the United States in the 2004 World Cup of Hockey and four World Championships (2000, 2001, 2004, 2005) and recently participated in the 2006 U.S. Olympic Orientation Camp.

An active member of the community, Halpern created Halpern’s Hometown Heroes to benefit local charities. Halpern donates $100 for every game the Capitals win and participates in fundraising events. To date Halpern’s Hometown Heroes has raised more than $10,000 for the Children’s National Medical Center, The National Capital Area Alzheimer’s Association, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Arthritis Foundation.

Halpern played youth hockey for the Little Capitals and former captains Rod Langway and Dale Hunter were among his favorite players. He played junior hockey in Canada and prep school hockey in New Hampshire before enrolling at Princeton University in 1995-96. One of only four players to be named Princeton’s MVP three times, Halpern was the team captain as a senior. He finished his college career ranking first all-time at Princeton in games played (132), third in career points (141) and assists (81) and tied for fifth in career goals (60).

[cottonzway]

I am sure this guy could use this now. He lost his mother in a nasty car accident earlier this year. He is a hard working player and should make a good captin.

[Lead]

He will be great leader for the Caps.

[jkidd]

seems like an oveachiever, something the caps can always use...good choice for the "c"

[stevecanuck16]

Excellent choice! I agree with Cotton, this has definately been a tough year for Jeff. Hopefully he can at least lend some respectabilty to this sad-sack franchise and teach Ovechkin some life skills. Good luck this year, Jeff!