Imagine reaching a milestone so monumental that it cements your legacy in sports history. That’s exactly what happened when John Carlson notched his 600th assist, becoming just the 21st defenseman in NHL history to achieve this feat. But here’s where it gets even more heartwarming: his Washington Capitals teammates, including the legendary Alex Ovechkin, celebrated this triumph in style during their trip to Calgary. And this is the part most people miss—it wasn’t just a quiet toast; it was a full-blown celebration complete with Stella Artois, a beer that’s become synonymous with the Capitals’ milestones. Let’s dive into the details.
On Thursday afternoon, Dylan Strome took to Instagram to share a snapshot of the festivities. The photo featured Ovechkin and Jakub Chychrun raising their Stella Artois-filled glasses alongside Carlson, the man of the hour. Strome’s caption, “600 🍎 club,” highlighted Carlson’s achievement, while an arrow pointing to Chychrun cheekily hinted, “soon.” With 185 assists in 590 games, Chychrun still has some ground to cover, but the playful nudge added a layer of camaraderie to the moment. The team was enjoying a rare day off before a grueling back-to-back against the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers on Friday and Saturday.
Controversial question: Is Stella Artois the unofficial beer of the Capitals’ milestones? It’s hard to argue otherwise. Recall Ovechkin’s 894th and 900th career goals, both celebrated with a beer bath featuring the same Belgian brew. This tradition not only showcases the team’s unity but also raises the question: Are these celebrations becoming as iconic as the milestones themselves? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Carlson’s historic moment came on Wednesday night against the Vancouver Canucks, where he recorded two assists despite the Capitals’ 4-3 loss. The Canucks, meanwhile, snapped an 11-game losing streak, but the night belonged to Carlson. According to RMNB contributor KP, a Calgary native, the team’s celebration continued at JOEY Eau Claire, a high-end restaurant and bar known for its locations across Canada. This choice of venue added a touch of sophistication to the already memorable occasion.
While the players were toasting Carlson’s achievement, the Capitals’ broadcasters—Joe Beninati, Craig Laughlin, Al Koken, John Walton, and Ken Sabourin—opted for a different kind of team bonding. They spent their day off bowling at The National, with Walton sharing a photo of the crew and proudly noting that the radio team emerged victorious. And this is the part most people miss: even in the midst of a demanding season, these moments of camaraderie and celebration remind us that hockey is as much about the relationships as it is about the game.
As we reflect on Carlson’s milestone, it’s clear that his impact extends beyond the stats sheet. He’s not just a defenseman; he’s a cornerstone of the Capitals’ legacy. So, here’s to John Carlson—and to the countless more assists we hope to see. Cheers!
