The Capitals are no longer in the playoffs, but two players will return to an NHL broadcast during the Stanley Cup Final to support the “Stanley Pup,” a league-sponsored show to support dog adoptions in the U.S. and Canada.
Washington’s Ryan Leonard and Brandon Duhaime will introduce some of this year’s dogs to support rescue organizations around the District. Last year’s inaugural Stanley Pup introduced NHL fans to adoptable dogs like Alex Ofetchkin, Connor McDoodle and Sergei Bobruffsky.
The canines will then participate in a friendly “competition” with a focus on how adorable they are, similar to the “Puppy Bowl” that graces screens each February.
“We love being able to support great causes and knowing that even more participating dogs will find permanent homes this year is very fulfilling for the League,” said Steve Mayer, the NHL’s president of content and events. “We can’t wait to see what fun this year’s friendly competition brings as the ‘players’ hit the Stanley Pup rink.”
The broadcast will also feature appearances from celebrities like Michael Buble, George Lopez, Jamie Lee Curtis and Joel McHale.
The show will air at 7 p.m. on June 6 on TruTV. It will re-air on NHL Network on June 8, with highlights posted to the league’s website and social media accounts.
“Stanley Pup is a joyful reminder that all-star pets can be adopted from your local shelter,” said Susanne Kogut, president of Petco Love, which is providing this year’s dogs through its rescue partners. “Adopting a pet is like scoring the game-winning goal — one moment of heart, and you’ve changed a life forever.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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