While there will be no Alumni Game at the Winter Classic this year, more than a dozen former Caps will participate in a fan reception and open house at the Hilton Garden Inn on New Year’s Eve. That’s good news. According to The Washington Post’s Alex Prewitt, several big names will be in attendance, including Hall of Famer Rod Langway and CSN analyst Alan May.

We did some digging and a source tell us that HOF’er Larry Murphy, CSN’s Craig Laughlin, former 60-goal scorer Dennis Maruk, Al Jensen, Kevin Kaminski, Dave Christian, and others will also be there to hang out with fans.

The event is free of charge and open to the public, though you are encouraged to RSVP via email at rsvpcapshiltonparty@gmail.com. It will last from 5 until 8 PM on the 31st. The hotel is located at 815 14th Street N.W.

I’d go just to dominate Alan May at table top hockey, but that’s just me.

Via an email from The Hilton Garden Inn:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — More than a dozen of the top players from Washington Capitals history are expected to participate in a fan reception and open house on Wednesday, December 31, New Year’s Eve, from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Washington, D.C., a preferred hotel partner of the Capitals, located at 815 14th Street N.W. With players arriving early for Thursday’s outdoor game at Nationals Park on New Year’s Day, the Hotel is honoring the history and legacy of the team with a public reception early the night before. The event is free of charge and open to the public. Former Capitals players will be on hand throughout the early evening, mixing and mingling with fans, sharing memories and playing table top hockey games. A cash bar is available and the hotel restaurant – featuring award-winning creations from executive chef Christopher B. Willis – is open for early dining. “The Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Washington, D.C. has been a long-time supporter of Capitals hockey,” said General Manager John Rish. “With so many players arriving in town for the New Year’s Day outdoor game against Chicago, we wanted to do something a little special for the players who have brought so many memories to our city and our fans. “This reception will provide a great opportunity for Washington hockey supporters to connect with many the players they have followed for the past four decades.” While the event is free to the public, capacity is limited. Fans interested in attending should RSVP by email at rsvpcapshiltonparty@gmail.com. For additional information, please visit www.hgicapsalumni.com or call (202) 783-7800.

Also, for those of you downtown on Tuesday, Langway will also be greeting fans at the Winter Classic store at Nats Park during lunch.