Capitals to auction off signed cherry blossom jerseys for charity

Peak bloom is coming later this month, and so are cherry blossom-themed jerseys from the Washington Capitals. The franchise announced Tuesday that it will auction off a handful of signed specialty jerseys this month to raise money for community initiatives.

Players like Alex Ovechkin and Tom Wilson will sport the blue and pink sweaters before their March 18 game against the Detroit Red Wings. An auction for the player-worn jerseys will open at noon that day.

Any fans interested in these unique offerings will need to open up the checkbook, though. Last year’s jerseys fetched more than $1,000 at auction, on average. Ovechkin’s look commanded a $4,200 price tag last spring.

This year’s jerseys feature the team’s “Screaming Eagle” logo grabbing a cherry blossom branch with included patches for the franchise’s 50th anniversary.

The unique sweaters, which won’t be worn in-game or be available for purchase at the team store, were designed by D.C. artist Taylor Kampa Olson. Proceeds from the auction benefit the Monumental Sports and Entertainment Foundation.

Only a handful of fans will walk away with jerseys, but a handful of cherry blossom items are now available on Monumental’s website. Hoodies, shirts and jackets inspired by the Tidal Basin’s famous trees can be purchased at the team store at Capital One Arena or the MedStar Capitals Iceplex in Arlington, Virginia.