"Our mission in bringing the 2018 Coors Light NHL Stadium Series to Annapolis is to shine a spotlight on the incredible traditions and pageantry the U.S. Naval Academy has to offer," said Steve Mayer, NHL Chief Content Officer and Executive Vice President. "The addition of the gold medal-winning U.S. Olympic Women's Ice Hockey and U.S. Men's Curling teams at the NHL Stadium Series will create a night that will be memorable for everyone."
The homage to the Navy will be on display throughout the historic outdoor game, from the on-field décor to the in-game ceremonies to the more than 500 U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) midshipmen in attendance. The NHL regulation rink sits atop a Navy-inspired aircraft carrier flight deck complete with model fighter jet.
The pregame festivities will begin with a procession march onto the field of USNA midshipmen. Led by the USNA Drum and Bugle Corps, the midshipmen will take their stations along the rails of the makeshift flight deck in a nod to the ceremonial tradition of "manning the rails." The visiting Maple Leafs will take the field first, led by the 2nd Canadian Mechanized Bridge Group Pipes and Drums. The host Capitals will be led by members of the USNA Pipes and Drums.
The presentation of colors will feature eight members of the U.S. Joint Services Color Guard carrying the U.S. flag joined by a member of the Royal Canadian Navy carrying the Canadian flag. Members of the U.S. Naval Academy's men's and women's hockey teams will unfurl flags onto the ice.
The Canadian national anthem will be performed by Petty Officer 2nd Class Brad Davidge, accompanied by the brass ensemble from the Stadacona Band of the Royal Canadian Navy. The U.S. national anthem will be performed by Midshipman 2nd Class Lael Sommer and the USNA Band.
The pregame festivities will conclude with a fly-over featuring two Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornets from the "World Famous Fighting Black Lions" of VFA-213 based out of Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia Beach, Va. Flying the lead aircraft will be Lieutenant Jon Bernard Pro and Commander Patrick Baker, USNA Class of 2000. The wing aircraft will be flown by Lieutenant Andrew Wolfe, USNA Class of 2012 and Lieutenant Commander Jeffrey Sweitzer. The Black Lions are a two-seat air superiority and strike fighter squadron with a proud 63-year history of leading the country's most demanding missions.
The U.S. Men's Curling Team that captured America's first Olympic gold medal in the sport in the 2018 Winter Olympics will be recognized before the game.
Staples at USNA sporting events, the Academy's Drum and Bugle Corps and Navy Spirit Dance Team along with the USNA Band will entertain fans throughout the 2018 Coors Light NHL Stadium Series.
During the second intermission, the NHL will celebrate members of the gold medal-winning U.S. Olympic Women's Ice Hockey Team, presented by Dunkin' Donuts, a proud partner of the NHL and USA Hockey.
Armed Forces Network will broadcast the game live to U.S. and Canadian service members stationed overseas. Fans in attendance at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium as well as those watching the broadcast will be treated to live look-ins of service members enjoying the game from military bases in Africa, Southwest Asia and more.
NHL Network and NHL.com will provide extensive coverage live from the event leading up to and after the game. NHL Social will have exclusive coverage on all social platforms, including the use of the official hashtag NHL #StadiumSeries.
Tickets to the 2018 Coors Light NHL Stadium Series are available for purchase via
Ticketmaster.com
, the official ticketing partner of the NHL. Fans can purchase tickets safely and securely on Ticketmaster and the NHL Ticket Exchange, with the peace of mind in knowing that the specific seats they buy are the seats they'll get.
