In 2018, when the Washington Capitals clinched the Stanley Cup, their jubilation knew no bounds. The festivities were widespread, from the National Mall to a Washington Nationals game, and even the set of “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.” However, it was the impromptu dip in a fountain in Georgetown that became the stuff of legend. On June 9, following a round of keg stands at a waterfront bar, captain Alex Ovechkin, along with teammates T.J. Oshie and Tom Wilson, decided to take a swim in the Washington Harbour fountain. Ovechkin, in his trademark style, shed his shirt and plunged into the water, with his teammates following suit. They indulged in “snow angels” and danced with fans who had joined the revelry.
Fast forward to the present, where the Capitals are celebrating their 50th anniversary as an NHL franchise. In honor of that unforgettable fountain swim, the team is set to unveil a permanent plaque at the very spot where history was made.
A Commemorative Plaque to Immortalize a Legendary Moment
The Capitals have announced their plans to install a special permanent plaque at the Washington Harbour Ice Rink on Friday, February 21 at 5 PM. The plaque will pay homage to the 2018 Stanley Cup championship celebration, with the inscription “Home of the 2017-18 Washington Capitals Fountain Celebration” and “In Vegas They Became Champions … Here They Became Legends.”
Positioned on the fountain tower, amidst what is currently an ice rink for the winter season, the plaque will serve as a lasting tribute to one of the most iconic moments in Capitals history. Notably, injured reserve players Nicklas Backstrom and T.J. Oshie, both from the 2018 championship team, will be present at the unveiling ceremony.
Reflecting on the infamous fountain swim, Ovechkin recounted the spontaneity and joy of the moment at a fan event in 2019. Recalling how the idea came about, he shared, “We had a couple beers. Osh and Tom came to me like, ‘Hey let’s go swim in the fountains.’ I said, ‘OK, let’s do it, we’re champions.'” The presence of police officers only added to the fun, as they gave the team their blessing to make a splash. Ovechkin noted, “I think it was a pretty fun moment for all of us and for you guys as well.”
As the Capitals prepare to immortalize this unforgettable chapter in their history, the unveiling of the plaque promises to be a poignant and nostalgic event that will undoubtedly reignite memories of that fateful night in Georgetown. Remembering the exuberance and camaraderie of that moment serves as a reminder of the unifying power of sports and the enduring legacy of a team that etched its name in the annals of NHL history.
