Alex Chiasson, former Washington Capitals winger, vividly recalls the unforgettable moments from the team’s 2018 Stanley Cup championship. Despite the blur of those celebratory months, Chiasson holds onto cherished memories, particularly surrounding the iconic post-victory festivities that have since become a staple in Capitals lore. His reflections underscore the significance of the Alex Ovechkin signed keg jersey and the lasting impact of that championship run.
Reliving the Celebration and Its Aftereffects
While discussing the past with reporters during his time as a guest coach at the Capitals’ Development Camp, Chiasson humorously admitted some details remain fuzzy because of the nature of the celebrations. Highlighting the fleeting experience, he shared how the summer following the triumph quickly saw teammates disperse to various teams and locations, limiting opportunities to reconnect. Chiasson explained that, despite the distance, whenever he encounters old teammates, they often reminisce about the memorable parade and celebrations, realizing they might not have fully appreciated the moment at the time.
The Story Behind Ovechkin’s Signed Nationals Jersey
Among the memorabilia Chiasson has preserved from that playoff run is a special item connected to Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin. Chiasson recounted to RMNB’s Katie Adler a unique piece from the post-Championship period: a Nationals baseball jersey signed by Ovechkin. This autograph came after the team, fresh from their Game 5 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights, attended a Washington Nationals baseball game where Ovechkin threw the ceremonial first pitch. The event was followed by players, including Ovechkin, TJ Oshie, and Tom Wilson, cooling off in the Georgetown fountains—a moment that went viral due to Ovechkin’s keg stand inside the Stanley Cup while wearing the same jersey.
A Priceless Keepsake From a Legendary Teammate
Chiasson described the jersey as a personal treasure, one that Ovechkin specifically wanted him to have. He admitted he hesitates to disclose its location because of its special meaning. The signed keg jersey represents more than memorabilia; it symbolizes the bonds formed during that successful season and the significance of being part of a historic team. Chiasson treasured how Ovechkin took the time to share such a meaningful gift.
Playing Alongside a Hockey Legend
Chiasson’s season with the Capitals placed him in direct association with Ovechkin’s ongoing legacy. During that year, Chiasson recorded an assist to Ovechkin in a 5-2 win over the Ottawa Senators on November 22, 2017, marking one of his contributions on the ice alongside one of hockey’s greatest goal scorers. Their connection extended beyond the rink; earlier this year, after Ovechkin surpassed Wayne Gretzky’s record for most career <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/hockey/nhl/”>NHL goals on April 6, Chiasson reached out to congratulate him, resulting in a warm exchange.
Chiasson Honors Ovechkin’s Historic Milestone
Expressing admiration for Ovechkin, Chiasson called him “a special man” and reflected on the unique experience of playing with a Stanley Cup champion who also holds the NHL’s most prolific goal scoring record. Their interaction after Ovechkin’s milestone goal emphasized the deep respect and perspective Chiasson gained from their shared time on the Capitals.
Ovechkin Memorabilia Symbolizes Pride in Capitals’ Locker Room
The Capitals’ locker room has become a repository of Alex Ovechkin memorabilia for numerous players who were with the team during and after the 2018 Cup run. This season, players eagerly collected mementos from the historic game in which Ovechkin passed Gretzky’s record, ensuring that the legacy of that achievement remains part of the team’s culture. These artifacts highlight the enduring significance of Ovechkin’s accomplishments within the franchise.
The Importance of Friendship and Memories Beyond Hockey
Since retiring from professional hockey in January after an 11-year career, Chiasson has expressed that the friendships and memories he made throughout his time in the NHL are what he values most. He reflected on the joy of playing alongside Ovechkin and the strong team dynamic they shared in Washington. Chiasson fondly remembered the bond formed with his teammates and acknowledged the unique window of opportunity it was to be part of such a successful group.
It’s still a little bit blurred from back then,
he joked to reporters on Thursday while serving as a guest coach for Capitals’ Development Camp.
I think what was hard is obviously we enjoyed ourselves. We had a good time, rightfully so. And then the summer started, everyone went kind of like their separate way. And I went, I signed with Edmonton. So, I didn’t get a chance to come back and kind of like catch up with everyone. It was kind of like on the go… That’s how hockey works. But every time I see anyone, it’s always something [that] comes up. And we talk about, you know, that week there and how much we celebrated, the parade… I have some pictures from back then. And you look back, you’re like, wow. I guess I wish I soaked it in a little bit more. It was quite a great time.
—Alex Chiasson, former Capitals winger
I got a lot of stuff [from him],
Chiasson told RMNB’s Katie Adler.
I don’t know if I want to share it because a lot of that stuff is special. But I have one of, I don’t know if you remember, after we won [the Cup], we went to a [Nationals] baseball game and they gave Ovi, you know, a jersey to throw the first pitch. And he actually signed that jersey and gave it to me. So, not going to say where it is.
—Alex Chiasson
I have a lot of stuff like that, that I’ve collected. But, yeah, for O to take the time, and he wanted me to have it, yeah, it means a lot,
he said.
I reached out to him. I sent him a text and [he] replied right away, and we got to exchange a little bit,
he said.
It’s special, you know. Just for me to play the year with, you know, the greatest goal scorer that’s ever played, but also have won the Stanley Cup that he’s won with, you know. I think [it] gives you a little bit of perspective… He’s a special man.
—Alex Chiasson
I would say the one thing I’ve realized this year is from, obviously, stepping away from the game is – not that I took it for granted, but, you know, what a great opportunity to have played with Ovi for a year. Obviously, the greatest goal scorer that’s ever played the game. And then just everything that we went through here… I think we had such a good group,
he reminisced.
Just great memories… We had a lot of fun here.
—Alex Chiasson
Lasting Legacy of the 2018 Championship and What Lies Ahead
The 2018 Stanley Cup victory remains a defining moment for the Washington Capitals and their community. The vibrant celebrations, captured in moments like the keg stand with the Cup and the Nationals jersey signing, continue to resonate with fans and players alike. For Chiasson and others involved, these artifacts serve as tangible reminders of the hard work, camaraderie, and history created during that special season. As the Capitals look to future campaigns, the memories and memorabilia help sustain a culture of championship pride and inspire current players to aim for similar feats.