CACI and Washington Capitals Turn Hockey Defense Into Service Dog Funding

The initiative, which launched this week, seeks to bridge the gap between professional sports and veteran support. With the Capitals averaging approximately 1,300 blocked shots annually, the partnership is projected to finance the training of up to eight service dogs per season. These animals provide critical assistance for veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress, hearing or vision loss, and various physical disabilities.

Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Shields, a CACI senior vice president and the program's ambassador, emphasized the practical impact of the partnership. "For many veterans, a specially trained service dog becomes a trusted partner," Shields said. "The dogs provide greater independence, renewed confidence, and reduced anxiety." The program will be integrated into the game-day experience through in-arena features and broadcast segments, keeping fans informed of how their team's defensive play translates into tangible support for those who have served.