Capitals Development Camp Notebook: Fun & Games As Sikora's Skating Stands Out, Gästrin Having A Blast, Prospects Head To See Beyoncé
Washington Capitals skating coach Wendy Marco had promised Lynden Lakovic a fun day on Friday — and she made good on her promise.
ARLINGTON, V.A. — Washington Capitals skating coach Wendy Marco had promised Lynden Lakovic a fun day on Friday — and she made good on her promise.
Though the point of the drills aren’t meant to be taken lightly, with each relating back to a key fundamental, Marco gave the prospects a chance to let loose and have a little friendly competition, and they relished every minute.
Milton Gästrin, who signed his entry-level contract with the Capitals on Thursday, has really embraced Marco’s skating and was among the top performers as they were challenged to be the last man standing while balancing on one edge and trying to push each other down.
Gästrin made it far, but it was ultimately, it was Ludwig Persson and Nolan Krenzan who went the distance. The prospect who impressed the most though was 2024 sixth-round pick Petr Sikora, whose skating has taken a significant step forward. He was confident on his edges and, after tag-teaming with Cole Hutson to take down Ryan Chesley, took down Hutson to win.
“I very much like the skating with Wendy. It’s something that we don’t have in Sczech, so that’s pretty cool,” Sikora said. “You know, hard work and be strong and these things (help).”
Then, there was tic-tac-toe, where players raced against each other to put three pucks in a row. After that, there was target practice, with players shooting at cowbells in the corners of the net, and then skating together with tethers as partners tried to stay connected.
On the other rink, players went head-to-head in one-on-one drills. Andrew Cristall continues to make a statement and lead the way, and Ilya Protas and Maxim Schäfer also looked strong. Also standing out: Aaron Dahlqvist, who has good footwork and speed, as well as Cam Allen, who has been one of the top skaters at camp.
Washington wraps up its annual development camp on Saturday with a 3-on-3 tournament.
First, though, the Capitals prospects are making the most of their final night in D.C. together for the 4th of July. Sikora, along with Schäfer, Leon Muggli and others, have tickets to Beyoncé at FedEx Field.