Longtime Capitals broadcast duo will be recognized for three decades of excellence and lasting contributions to the television industry
WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 30, 2026) – Today, The National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences announced that longtime Monumental Sports Network (MNMT) and Washington Capitals broadcasters Joe Beninati and Craig Laughlin have been named 2026 Silver Circle honorees. The Silver Circle recognizes individuals who have devoted 25 years or more to the television industry and have made significant contributions to broadcasting and their communities.
For nearly three decades, Joe Beninati and Craig Laughlin have been the voices of Capitals hockey, earning recognition as one of the longest-tenured broadcast duos in professional sports. Since first teaming up on a full-time basis during the 1996-97 season, the pair has called more than 2,000 regular season and playoff games together, calling many of the franchise’s defining moments, including the team’s historic 2017-18 Stanley Cup championship season and Alex Ovechkin’s journey to becoming the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer.
The Silver Circle recognition comes as Beninati and Laughlin prepare to celebrate their milestone 30th season together during the 2026-27 campaign, a milestone that will be recognized throughout the season by Monumental Sports Network and the Washington Capitals. Earlier this year, both were also honored individually with Capital Emmy Awards—Beninati for Sports Play-by-Play and Laughlin for Sports Analyst—further highlighting their excellence and enduring impact on sports broadcasting.
Beninati and Laughlin will be formally inducted into the Silver Circle on October 10 in Frederick, Md., during a ceremony hosted by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter. They join fellow MNMT broadcaster Al Koken, who was inducted into the Silver Circle in 2023, further underscoring the network’s tradition of broadcast excellence.
“Joe and Craig have been synonymous with Capitals hockey for generations of fans across the Washington region,” said Zach Leonsis, President of Media & New Enterprises at Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE). “Their preparation, passion, authenticity and unmistakable chemistry have made every broadcast feel like you’re watching the game alongside trusted friends. This recognition is a testament not only to their remarkable longevity, but to the extraordinary impact they’ve had on our network, our organization and the fans who have welcomed them into their homes for nearly three decades.”
Beninati has served as the Capitals’ television play-by-play voice since 1994, earning a reputation for his preparation, storytelling and memorable calls of some of the franchise’s biggest moments. A former NHL forward, Laughlin joined the broadcast booth in 1996 following an 11-year professional playing career and has become known for his insightful analysis, humor and passion for the game.
Together, Beninati and Laughlin have become one of the most respected and enduring broadcast teams in professional sports, helping shape the identity of Capitals hockey for generations of fans. Their Silver Circle induction celebrates not only distinguished individual careers, but nearly three decades of partnership, storytelling and an unwavering commitment to bringing the game to life for viewers across the Washington region.
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About Monumental Sports & Entertainment
Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) is one of the leading integrated sports and entertainment companies globally. MSE’s portfolio spans premier professional sports teams, world-class venues, and next-generation media properties, with marquee assets including the NHL’s Washington Capitals, NBA’s Washington Wizards, WNBA’s Washington Mystics, NBA G League’s Capital City Go-Go, Capital One Arena, and Monumental Sports Network, along with an investment in Team Liquid.
Rooted in the nation’s capital, MSE brings Washington, D.C’s distinct influence, ambition, and leadership to the global sports and entertainment landscape. The company harnesses the power of its platform to drive continuous innovation and deliver extraordinary experiences that inspire and unite our community, our fans, and our people. For additional information on MSE, please visit monumentalsports.com.
About Monumental Sports Network
Monumental Sports Network is wholly owned and operated by Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE). The network holds exclusive local television media rights for the NHL’s Washington Capitals, NBA’s Washington Wizards and WNBA’s Washington Mystics games. MNMT is also the TV and digital home to the NBA G League’s Capital City Go-Go and the NBA 2K League’s Wizards District Gaming, as well as exclusive behind-the-scenes content and original sports and entertainment programming. The network also boasts the most comprehensive regional high school and collegiate sports programming in the greater Washington D.C. metro area. For more, visit: www.monumentalsportsnetwork.com
