Capitals Community Celebrates Owen Nei Day at the "Chuck"

The Capitals community celebrated what St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter proclaimed to be "Owen Nei Day" last Friday, February 11 at Charles Schulz-Highland Arena.  The Capitals community packed the stands in recognition of Owen Nei's last home game at "the Chuck." 

Pre-game festivities included a visit by former Wild player Wes Walz, who presented Owen with a gift from the Minnesota Wild. 

The packed house, which included players from all Capitals teams in their home whites, and the Cretin-Derham Hall girls and boys hockey teams, erupted as Owen Nei led his peewee team onto the ice for pre-game warm-ups.  When Nei scored in the second period, the packed student section nearly brought down the Plexiglas surrounding the rink! 

After three hard fought periods, Nei led his team to a 9-0 victory over the Baldwin Blackhawks peewee team, which graciously presented Nei with its own gift at center ice after the game. 

After the game, Nei received gifts from Hiway Credit Union, and Gillette's Children's Specialty Healthcare, and video salutes from current Wild player Marcus Foligno, and former Wild goalie Devan Dubnyk.

Owen's dad Chris expressed his gratitude for the big celebration after the game, "I still can’t find the words to say how much tonight means to Owen and our family. We were completely blown away!" 

Nei is rumored to be headed to a managerial role with the Cretin-Derham Hall boys program next season, but those rumors could not be confirmed at press time.

Watch KARE TV's coverage of Owen Nei Day here.