Washington Capitals, young skaters honor teammates lost in DC plane crash
Skaters at MedStar Capitals Iceplex remember victims
The Washington Capitals community and young skaters across the DMV are mourning the victims of the American Airlines plane crash, including those with ties to local ice rinks. FOX 5's Tisha Lewis has the story.
ARLINGTON, Va. - The Washington Capitals community and young skaters across the DMV are mourning the victims of the American Airlines plane crash, including those with ties to local ice rinks.
At MedStar Capitals Iceplex, the tragedy has hit especially hard.
Virginia skaters mourning
What they're saying:
The rink, home to figure skaters and hockey players alike, has become a gathering place for those grieving the loss of their friends and teammates.
"It’s not the kind of thing you think is ever going to happen, so it doesn’t really feel real," said Katharine Snodgrass, a friend of one of the victims. "We skated together every day. Brielle was homeschooled, and so was I, so we spent the whole day doing schoolwork together. Then Corey and Eddie would get here in the afternoon and be on freestyle."
Many young skaters learned about the crash through social media, while others only heard the devastating news when they arrived at the rink. Parents have struggled to explain the tragedy to their children, many of whom shared deep connections with the victims.
Capitals offer condolences
The Capitals' head coach, Spencer Carbery, offered his condolences to the grieving community, with the team sharing his message on social media.
"On behalf of the organization, players, and staff, we just want to express our heartfelt condolences to all the families and people affected by the tragedy," Carbery said. "We also want to thank all the first responders who were on the scene immediately. It’s just a tough day back home."
Inside MedStar Capitals Iceplex, a growing memorial reflects the community’s sorrow, as teammates and friends come together to remember those lost. Some young skaters are preparing a slideshow tribute to honor their friends.
While the rink remains open, officials say all off-ice activities have been canceled for the night as the community gathers to grieve. MedStar Capitals Iceplex is finalizing plans to formally honor the victims.