Photo credit: David S.

At this moment, the tensest of the Capitals’ season, the team still knows how to have fun. Going by these pictures from David and Deanna, Jason Chimera’s son Cale practiced with the team again on Wednesday and it was all smiles. We saw the feisty little dude on the ice back in January, and here he is again– doing conditioning with Mathieu Perreault, besting Brooks Laich in a smile contest, and giving pointers to his dad on how to score his 21st of the season.

We already know how grumpy attitudes and dourness can affect this team’s play, so this is an encouraging sign for tonight’s big game with the Panthers. Or maybe this is confirmation that the Caps have completely depleted the Hershey roster and are desperate for new blood. Eh, let’s go with the first one. Many more pics behind the jump.

Photos

John Carlson takes a shot on Cale Chimera. (Photo credit: @slw357)

Lots of  stories unfolded today at Kettler Capitals Iceplex (MG52 may return on Tuesday, Alex Semin’s has a Schrodinger-y arm laceration), but there were none more awesome than Cale Chimera taking the ice.

Who’s Cale Chimera, you ask? A Hershey Bear call-up? The Caps traded Alex Semin, and he’s the new guy? No, he’s the four-year old son of the Caps’ second-leading goal scorer, Jason Chimera. You may remember him from last year, starring in almost every shot of our “Caps go bowling” charity post.

After Capitals practice ended today, Papa Chimera helped his son suit up in the locker room — mini gloves, breezers, skates, and all — and then took him onto the ice. Joined by John Carlson and Mathieu Perreault, the group playfully took shots on net. Cale, who skates better than DJ King, played goaltender for a bit and then the guys gave him his chance to take shots on them.

CSN’s Jill Sorenson, who we’ve teased all year, was actually the only beat writer to get the humangous big scoop.

I asked what position Cale wanted to play and Jason said, “What position do you want to play? Forward or Defense? Not goalie.” To which Cale responded, “I want to shoot the puck. I’ve been practicing a lot.”

Dawwww.

RMNB readers @slw357 and Madison T., who both were at practice today, were nice enough to share with us their photos and video. Check ‘em out below.

Photos and Video of Cale Chimera Practicing

Cale shoots… and falls! (Video via @slw357)

Hopefully Dale Hunter doesn’t see this or Perry will never play again. (Video via @slw357)

Cale takes a shot Perreault. (Photo credit: @slw357)

And scores! (Photo credit: @slw357)

Carlson takes a shot and Cale makes the save! (Photo credit: @slw357)

The guys horse around on the ice. (Photo credit: Madison T.)

So cute. (Photo credit: Madison T.)