Check This: Caps Welcome the Public to Their New Practice Space in Arlington

Frustration was written on Brooks Laich's face when the veteran goalie he was facing blocked his shot with a seemingly effortless kick save. After swatting his stick on the ice, the young forward was confronted by the goalie. But the crowd, wearing a mix of Washington Capitals jerseys old and new, wasn't witness to fisticuffs. Instead, fans heard laughter and advice: encouragement from savvy veteran Olie Kolzig to a player trying to carve out a spot on the roster. This isn't Verizon Center, it's Kettler Capitals Iceplex, where the frozen faithful gather to watch their hockey heroes prepare for games.

The Capitals' season kicks off Friday, and they open at home against the Carolina Hurricanes the next day. In the meantime, the team has been practicing in its sparkling new Arlington facility, as it will throughout the season. All practices are free to the public, and although that's nothing new for the club, the move from far-out Odenton to a rink on top of the parking garage at Ballston Common Mall means that the players are now accessible to a wider audience.

The subtle intricacies of hockey can be hard to pick up at game speed, and practices provide a chance to see the high level of skill behind simple-seeming maneuvers. Fans can learn more about the game and the players they cheer for. "Especially on the weekdays," explains 53-year-old superfan Vicki Smith of Beltsville, "they will be out there goofing and roughhousing. You really get to see their personalities. It's even fun to watch Olie break his sticks."

To Kolzig, the 37-year-old face of the franchise, the fans are more than welcome. "We always want some people there. It's why we play the game. And you have more fun with them during practices than in games." As for the new digs? "It's almost too nice here," he says. "You don't want to leave."

-- Justin Rude

Kettler Capitals Iceplex, 627 N. Glebe Rd., Arlington, 703-243-8855.

The Capitals' practice schedule can be found at http://capitals.nhl.com. This week, the team takes the ice today and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. for pregame skates and Thursday at 10:30 a.m. for practice.