The Washington Capitals pay a heartfelt homage to Nic Dowd's late father, Alan Dowd.

During their season-opening game against the Boston Bruins, the Washington Capitals paid a moving homage to Alan Dowd, the late father of forward Nic Dowd, reminding both players and spectators that hockey is more than just a sport; it is a family.

On the back of their helmets, each Capitals player wore a unique sticker that featured the number 26 and the term "Pops," a nickname that represented Nic's strong relationship with his father. A man who was greatly loved by his family and the community in Huntsville, Alabama, was remembered with this small but impactful gesture by the entire organization.

The Washington Capitals posted on social media, saying, "We are sending our condolences to Nic and the entire Dowd family as they grieve the loss of Nic's father, Alan, who died away last week." “Tonight, our players will wear special helmet stickers in his honor.”

The Capitals coaches also participated in the homage by donning "26 Pops" pins on their suit jackets throughout the game, in addition to the players' stickers. This was a heartfelt way for them to support Dowd at his family's difficult time.

Alan Dowd was well-known for his kindness, modesty, and steadfast devotion to his family. He is remembered by his Huntsville friends and neighbors as a gentle man with a quiet strength, the sort of parent who was constantly in the stands, encouraging, instructing, and directing. Those who knew him are grieving deeply over his death last week.

Long a favorite in the Capitals' locker room, Dowd is renowned for his dedication, leadership, and work ethic both on and off the ice. The team's choice to pay tribute to his father is indicative of the close-knit ethos that has characterized the group in recent years.

In a statement of solidarity circulated by hockey fans worldwide, Russian Machine Never Breaks said, "Everyone at RMNB expresses our sincere sympathy to Nic and the rest of his family during this terrible time."

Even though Alan Dowd is no longer in the stands, his influence lives on in Nic, his son, who embodies his family values, commitment, and humility. In addition to being a memorial, the "26 Pops" sticker served as a reminder that the people we love never really leave us; they always influence who we are and how we present ourselves.