Penny the Bald Eagle participates in ceremonial puck drop before Capitals-Wild game, all players survive encounter

"Penny the Bald Eagle, a very lively raptor from the American Eagle Foundation, participated in the ceremonial puck drop along with her handler, Mary Beth Gosnell, and former Capitals greats, Peter Bondra, Calle Johansson, and Olaf Kolzig. Penny made her entrance after the three Capitals legends were announced to center ice, and she got particularly enthusiastic about her introduction by PA announcer Wes Johnson, flapping and hurling herself upside down near the Capitals bench."

"Penny eventually righted herself and then took a majestic perch on Gosnell's forearm, looking away and sometimes toward the puck drop. Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin and Minnesota Wild captain Jared Spurgeon participated in the ceremonial draw. Once Johansson dropped the puck, the leaders of each team shook everyone's hands - though not Penny's talons. They made sure to keep a healthy distance from the fierce national bird."

Penny the Bald Eagle from the American Eagle Foundation took part in the ceremonial puck drop at Capital One Arena alongside handler Mary Beth Gosnell and former Capitals players Peter Bondra, Calle Johansson, and Olaf Kolzig. Penny arrived after the alumni were announced and reacted enthusiastically to the PA introduction, flapping and briefly hurling herself upside down near the bench before righting. She then perched on Gosnell's forearm as captains Alex Ovechkin and Jared Spurgeon completed the ceremonial draw. Players greeted one another but avoided Penny's talons, and no injuries were reported.

Read at RMNB