The Washington Capitals’ domestic pipeline continues to expand rapidly. Earlier today it was announced that Winchester, Virginia, is a native Alex Limoges signed a one-year deal with the Capitalsjoining Sam Anas and Joe Snively as DMV producers in the Capitals pipeline.
Not many Capitals fans may know about another Virginia native, Ryan Lippold , who was an invite-on free agent to this week’s Capitals development camp. A native of Ashburn, Virginia, Leibold played for the Washington Little Cubs and also trained for the Midstar Capitals Iceplex. He is now taking advantage of every possible opportunity while coaching in a Capitals vest.
“I mean a ton. I grew up a Cubs fan and went to games, where I grew up with the team and watching the Cup,” Lippold said. “It’s been great to put on the big club’s jacket and be at their facilities and work on the chance to earn a place in the team.”
The 24-year-old winger is eyeing Capitals center Niklas Backstrom. A reliable playmaker who also does the little things right.
“I always liked the way he played, and he always played. He didn’t always get the credit for it because he’s mostly a passer-by but nothing flashy. He just did his job,” Lippold said. “Then a little later he became TJ Oshie. I just love how hard he plays and I play that way myself.”
Here’s some video of Ashburn, Virginia’s Ryan Lippold. He trained at Medstar, grew up and played with the Little Caps. # the capper pic.twitter.com/MLpFTUNaTc
– Jacob Cheris (@JCheris17) July 2, 2023
The 5-foot-10 forward just finished his graduate campaign at Merrimack College. However, it wasn’t the year he was hoping for, as he tallied just 12 points (five goals and seven assists) in 37 games.
Before playing for the Mavericks, Leibold played four seasons at Holy Cross, scoring 58 points (19 goals, 39 assists) in 119 games with the Crusaders.
In his senior year, he had 26 points (10 goals, 16 assists) and was named to the AHA III All-Conference.
Prior to going to college, Leipold played for the Sioux City Knights in the USHL in the 2017-18 season, and prior to that he was with the Springfield Jr. Nationals. Blues of the NAHL. In 60 games with the Knights, he had a good rookie campaign with 12 points (seven goals, five assists) and a career high 32 points (13 goals, 19 assists) in 60 games with the Blues.
In his final season with the 18U Little Caps, Leibold led the NAPHL 18U League with 24 goals and was named to the NAPHL First All-Star Team.
Leibold’s friends say he’s a hard-hitting player with a good shot, while also being a beast in the gym, ranking at 194 pounds.
“I think I’m a 200-foot player who’s super competitive,” Lippold said. “[You] You always know what you will get from me. Just kind of internal and external grinding, which brings energy and competitiveness.”
Once Merrimack’s season ended, Leibold signed with the Capitals’ affiliate, the South Carolina Stingrays, and was fit for nine games. He scored his first professional goal on April 12 against the Savannah Ghost Pirates and finished the year with four points (one goal and three assists).
Leopold’s first professional goal 🚨 pic.twitter.com/UH5Qwupp1y
– SC Stingrays (SCStingrays) April 12, 2023
Now he has a chance to improve at development camp and prepare for his first full season in the organization.
“I would like to have the opportunity to advance in the organization, either now or in the future,” Lippold said. “Whether it’s Hershey’s or… [in Washington] Whatever the situation. I would like to apply to the organization. But in South Carolina, I love the chance to play pro hockey for a living and earn my way or my way up the ladder.”
By Jacob Shires