Posts Tagged ‘NHL’

Karl Alzner at Tysons Corner Center

NHL Player

Back in February, I covered and appearance by Karl Alzner at Tysons Corner Center. He is a defenseman for the Washington Capitals. If you are not familiar, the Capitals are the professional hockey team based in Washington DC, and Alzner has been a standout player for the team since he joined them in 2008.

Karl Alzner Meet and Greet at Tysons Corner Center
Karl Alzner Meet and Greet at Tysons Corner Center

Of all the professional sports teams in the DC area, it is a popular opinion that the Capitals are the team that is closest to winning a Championship. Although the did not make the playoffs in 2014, they have made it every year since 2008 reaching the conference semi-finals 3 times. It is a popular chant in the arena to ‘Rock The Red’ so the Concourse at Tysons Corner Center was decked out with red.

Karl Alzner Meet and Greet at Tysons Corner Center
Washington Capitals Meet and Greet at Tysons Corner Center
Washington Capitals Meet and Greet at Tysons Corner Center
Washington Capitals Meet and Greet at Tysons Corner Center

Karl greeted a lot of fans young and old. He signed autographs for a line of people that came prepared with memorabilia, shirts, pucks, for him to add his signature. While he was there, and they had the gear, he watched people take some shots at an inflatable goal setup. He gave tips to help some people make better shots through the back of the net. He was very patient and took a lot of time with those that came out to see him.

Karl Alzner skills challenge

Hockey shooting drill on the Concourse
Hockey shooting drill on the Concourse

There were other notable people that were in attendance. Grant Paulsen from 106.7 the Fan radio station was there to emcee the event. Being a host of a daily sports radio show made him a perfect person to keep the crowd entertained. Slapshot, the Eagle mascot of the Capitals was also there! He even put on some skate to take a few turn around the ice rink out on the Plaza!

Slapshot on the Plaza ice rink at Tysons Corner Center
Slapshot on the Plaza ice rink at Tysons Corner Center
Grant Paulsen directing the show
Grant Paulsen directing the show
Slapshot and the Red Rockers at Tysons Corner Center
Slapshot and the Red Rockers at Tysons Corner Center

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Karl Alzner at Tysons Corner Center | Event Photographer

Karl Alzner at Tysons Corner Center - ©TimeLine Media

Last weekend there was an appearance by Karl Alzner, a defenseman for the Washington Capitals at Tysons Corner Center. It was great timing for his appearance as it was a day after he scored a goal in a winning effort by the NHL team.

Crowd to see Karl Alzner at Tysons Corner Center - ©TimeLine Media
Crowd to see Karl Alzner at Tysons Corner Center – ©TimeLine Media

Tysons Corner Center

The appearance was more than just an opportunity to get an autograph. Karl also taught some kids basic stick handling in a setup for shooting. There was a large setup in the middle of the mall with a target for kids to aim practice balls. Karl spent an hour giving as many kids as possible a chance to score a goal.

Hockey shooting drills at Tysons Corner Center - ©TimeLine Media
Hockey shooting drills at Tysons Corner Center – ©TimeLine Media
Hockey shooting drills at Tysons Corner Center - ©TimeLine Media
Hockey shooting drills at Tysons Corner Center – ©TimeLine Media


 
Slapshot, the mascot for the Capitals was also there signing autographs, and playing goalie in another ball-shooting setup. He was quite a character to photograph, and really brought the personality without even speaking a word! It was nice to see a professional athlete taking time to interact with so many small kids giving them their first chance at hockey. There were a few that definitely had some previous experience, so he gave them some other stick skills to play try before shooting.

Slapshot points to the crowd at Tysons Corner Center - ©TimeLine Media
Slapshot points to the crowd at Tysons Corner Center – ©TimeLine Media
Slapshot plays goalie - ©TimeLine Media
Slapshot plays goalie – ©TimeLine Media


After the shooting drills, Karl took an hour to sign autographs. The line was almost out the door! The fans were very patient, and everyone got plenty of time to meet him. It was another smoothly run event. Even with all the parts that had to be setup, the staff at Tysons made sure we had everything we needed. The Capitals marketing team was also very considerate, and helped me setup to get some nice photos of the whole afternoon. It is always great to work with professionals!

Karl Alzner at Tysons Corner Center - ©TimeLine Media
Karl Alzner at Tysons Corner Center – ©TimeLine Media

TimeLine Media –  www.timelinedc.com
703-864-8208