There are few things that compare to the connection fans have with their favorite sports teams and for longtime Caps fan Eric Stevens, that’s especially true.

He was born just two days after Washington played its first game as an NHL franchise, and the rest is history.

Both are now celebrating their big 5-0.

Eric shared his love of the Capitals with his children and his daughter Raya had the fun idea of ​​trying to contact the team to help plan a surprise for her father’s 50th birthday.

From there, it all snowballed.

The entire Stevens family was invited to the home opening for the full experience.

“There’s no place I’d rather be than at the home opener on my 50th and 50th anniversary,” Eric said.

For Rock the Red Carpet, he had the special opportunity to participate as an escort with newcomer Jakob Chychrun.

“I turned around and Ovi was walking right next to me, which doesn’t happen all the time,” Eric said.

After the red carpet festivities were over, they headed to District E for a big birthday dinner.

The block party band also sang “Happy Birthday” to Eric with a very special cake.

Eric had always collected sports cards, especially hockey cards, and he decided to bring a few special ones with him because he had a feeling he could get a few signatures.

Some former popular Caps stopped by District E and Eric jumped at the opportunity to have his cards signed by people like Yvon Labre and Rod Langway.

“These are moments I will never forget,” Eric said.

After dinner, Eric and Raya had the opportunity to experience the warm-up up close and personal from the crash box.