The Capitals have hired Dr. Aimee Kimball as senior director of team and organizational development, the team announced Monday. In describing her role, the team said via a release that, "Kimball will provide skilled direction and support in the areas of player development falling outside the standard skills (strength, and on-ice training). In addition, Kimball's work will include the proper formulation, accumulation and presentation of all player development related information and plans. Her work will span all phases of player development: pre-draft evaluation of players, development of players after draft and working with both minor league players and NHL players."
“I’m someone who can help them become mentally stronger,” Kimball told The Washington Post. “What I think many of the athletes realize is they often get to this point based on skill and this might be one of the first challenges they face, and it is helpful to have somebody to teach them how to manage stress or teach them how to deal with being scratched for the first time in their life.”
Kimball has worked in the NHL for 15 years, the last five of which were with the New Jersey Devils. She also serves as the Mental Performance Coach for the USA Hockey Women's National Team for the 2022 Olympics.
"We are excited to welcome Aimee to our organization," general manager Brian MacLellan said. "Aimee brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to help us maximize the potential of our players. We feel her addition to the hockey operations staff will be a benefit to our organization."