Washington Capitals reflect on their first-ever training camp experience
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 16, 2026, 10:13 PM
Last updated Jun 16, 2026
The Washington Capitals are recalling their inaugural training camp that took place in 1974. The camp was marked by a near-tragic incident involving forward Steve Atkinson, who choked before a game against the Buffalo Sabres. The Capitals managed to take a 2-0 lead in that exhibition but lost 4-2. The team grappled with injuries during this period, to key player Greg Joly and first expansion draft pick Dave Kryskow. Head coach and management evaluated players through practices and games, emphasizing the need for match experience and improvement moving forward.
- •Caps held their first training camp in London, Ontario, in 1974.
- •Steve Atkinson survived a choking incident prior to an exhibition game.
- •Caps started strong but lost to Sabres 4-2 in their first game.
- •Injuries to players like Greg Joly and Dave Kryskow challenged the team.
- •Management focused on player evaluations during the early exhibition games.
- 10:13 PMYahoo Sports — From The Archives: A look Back At The Capitals First-Ever Training Camp
"Here's a look back at the first training camp the Washington Capitals held.
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