Capitals wear '26 Pops' stickers on helmets in memory of Nic Dowd's late father, Alan

"Every player wore a sticker on the back of their helmet that included the number 26 and the word "Pops" in memory of Dowd's late father. "Our thoughts are with Nic and the entire Dowd family as they mourn the loss of Nic's father, Alan, who passed away last week," the Capitals wrote on social media. Our thoughts are with Nic and the entire Dowd family as they mourn the loss of Nic's father, Alan, who passed away last week. Tonight, our players will wear special helmet stickers in his honor. pic.twitter.com/e79vyEz9if - Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 8, 2025"

"Capitals coaches on the bench also wore pins on their suit coats. Dowd played in the first game of the preseason but missed seven days of training camp from September 23 through September 30 for personal/family reasons. "Nice to get back to work and excited to get back in the swing of things," Dowd said when he returned."

The Washington Capitals honored Nic Dowd's late father, Alan, during the season-opening game against the Boston Bruins by having every player wear a helmet sticker bearing the number 26 and the word "Pops." Capitals coaches also wore pins on their suit coats as an additional tribute. The team posted a condolence message on social media expressing sympathy for Nic and his family. Dowd had missed seven days of training camp from September 23 through September 30 for personal and family reasons, played in the first preseason game, and said he was glad to return to work.

Read at RMNB