Fatima Al Ali of UAE helps welcome Capitals to the ice

Internet sensation and star of Hockey is for Everyone celebration back in Washington D.C.

By NHL.com @NHLdotcom

April 28, 2017

The Stanley Cup Playoffs are for everyone.

The Washington Capitals invited back their old friend Fatima Al Ali back in the house for Game 1 of their Stanley Cup Playoffs series against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

.@FatimaAl_Ali at Verizon Center! Tonight she was honored for receiving the Sports Achievement Award from Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE. https://t.co/tiAElKZZXL
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) April 28, 2017

Al Ali, who plays for the United Arab Emirates women's hockey team and became an internet sensation when former Capitals star Peter Bondra tweeted a video showing off her impressive puck handling skills, was invited to drop the puck at Verizon Center during the team's Hockey is For Everyone month back in February.
According to the team, they had discussed another visit for a playoff game. And on Thursday night, it happened.

Didn't think I'd do it but I'm at the airport going to US for the playoffs! Thanks again @MSE @UAEEmbassyUS @EtihadAirways @Capitals ❤
— Fatima Al Ali (@FatimaAl_Ali) April 26, 2017

Al Ali, after the 17-hour flight, helped Capitals announcer Wes Johnson welcome the team to the ice to thunderous applause.

.@FatimaAl_Ali helping @WesJohnsonVoice with introducing the #Caps onto the ice tonight! #CapsPens #RockTheRed https://t.co/VtAxIeMAo8
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) April 27, 2017

She was also recognized during the second intermission for receiving the Sports Achievement Award from the Deputy Prime Minister of UAE.

Fatima Al Ali of UAE helps welcome Capitals to the ice

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