Hockey Fan or Stalker: Take the Quiz

It’s the off season, how do you plan to spend it? If you’re a hockey fan, you’ll get by, reading trade and re-signing rumors, whining slightly about how there’s nothing to do and anxiously wait for the fall. BUT, if you’re a hockey stalker, you are plotting and planning your schemes to meet players even if they go to Turkey for summer vacation.

Not sure which category you fall into? Take the quiz!

1. You go the Kettler to watch practice because:

     a. You enjoy watching what the team is working on to face their next opponent.

     b. You might get to meet Brooks Laich.

2. You hang out outside Kettler after practice is over because:

    a. You might get an autograph and/or picture of your favorite player.

    b. You might get to meet Brooks Laich and maybe even get a chance to slip him your phone number.

3. You leave Kettler and discover you are following the car of one of the players. Do you:

    a. Smile and tweet to everyone (from a red light, of course) that you just saw Brooks Laich in his car.

    b. Throw on the sunglasses, change lanes, and drop back 3 car lengths to follow Brooks Laich because you might find out where he lives or shops.

4. You frequent restaurants that are known as player hangouts because:

     a. It’s a cool sports bar in your neighborhood that just happens to be a player hangout. It’s cool; you go there all the time, in season or off season.

     b. Even though you had to drive 45+ minutes to get there, you go as often as possible because you might get to meet Brooks Laich and actually touch him and flirt with him.

  

5. You happen to know the home address of a hockey player. Do you:

     a. Keep it secret, the guys deserve their privacy.

     b. Keep it secret, check to see if there are any rentals available nearby, call Mayflower and start planning your move to his building or neighborhood.

  

6. You follow on Twitter or friend on Facebook people who have some connection to the team because:

     a. It’s great to get the inside scoop of what’s going on with the team from insiders.

     b. You might find a way to use them to your advantage to meet Brooks Laich.

7. You’ve gotten this far in the quiz and you:

     a. Laugh because you recognize it’s a joke.

     b. Feel insulted. No way do you do any of those things, you just happen to really, really like Brooks Laich and one day you’ll meet him and talk to him and date him and become his wife and have his children and everyone will be jealous but you’ll be living happily ever after as Mrs. Brooks Laich, so who cares what everyone else thinks, because no way are you a stalker.

So, how did you do? If your answers were mostly ‘a’, you can breathe a sigh of relief, you’re never going to be mistaken as a stalker, you’re a fan. But, if you answered mostly “b”, you are the only honest person to have taken this quiz…Any questions?

(note: I selected Brooks as the focus here because he is such cougar bait, but you can substitute any young Caps bachelor of your liking, whether it's Ovi, Sasha, Nicky, Mike or Varly. But, if by doing this, your answers change from a's to b's, please don't come to me for their addresses, I selected "a" on question #5!)

My Winning Season

Yesterday was the final game in the Capitals regular season for 2009-2010. Not only was it a winning season for them, but it was a season of win for me too. I can’t say when I’ve enjoyed a rollercoaster ride more.

I was very fortunate to enjoy a lot of Caps awesomeness in person this season. My season of win actually began at Caps development camp on 9/7/09. I had never been to watch any skating at Kettler before, what a great way to start. It was the first time I ever got to watch hockey players up close. I can tell you right now, it sealed the deal on my fascination for the game. Not only did I get to see the players that were being considered for the team, but also some Caps players that just had to get back out on the ice too. I even got to watch Neuvy and some other guy in net who got to play all of about 10 minutes in a regular season game once.

My second trip to Kettler was for Veterans Camp on 9/13/09. I got my first glimpse of Knuble, Cash and Beagle, as well as all the guys I’ve been cheering on for a while. I got a greater appreciation for how hard they work to perfect their game. And an appreciation for the camaraderie they share as a team. Who knew? Ok, a lot of you all knew, but I didn’t!

Next came the Caps Convention on 9/26/09. What a total fandom adventure that was! Not only did I get to hear great hockey stories and Q & A sessions, I was fortunate enough to get a picture with Nicky and autographs from Brads, Laich, Morrisonn and Bourque. I’ll admit the autographs from Shaone and Chris were not the highlight of my day, but the rest of day was pretty awesome and exhausting!

Finally, time for the season opener on 10/3/09. It was against the Maple Leafs and we won; final score 6-4. The Southeast Division Champions banner was hoisted to minor fanfare. Highlight for that game, to quote my tweet at 9:18 pm that night, “We caught the fucking puck!” Oh yeah, Mike Green bobble head swag was also obtained.

November rolls around and it’s the Caps/Panthers game on 11/7/09. We win again, final score 7-4. Witnessed Matty Perreault’s first NHL goal. Our Pocket Ovi was a star that night! Ovi and Green didn’t play that night, Ovi’s pesky upper body injury kept him in the press box. That was also the night that Florida Panthers center Gregory took a shot to the face, which resulted in the Hubs and I being shown on national TV as they escorted him off the ice. Didn’t tell anyone at the time, but I do have the video saved. (Why, I don’t know, but saved it is).

Then December rolls around, this month’s game was against the Hurricanes on 12/11/09. Final score 4-3, Caps winning in overtime. That was the night Tim Gleason took home his own special souvenir, 30 stitches in his face from blocking a wicked shot from Ovi. It was also our first live OT game of the season and it ended with a GWG from Mike Green. Nail biter of a game.

The New Year in game attendance arrives late in January. The game was 1/23/10 against Phoenix. Final score: 4-2 Caps. It was the sixth game of the winning streak we all enjoyed this season. It was also my first opportunity to see that glorious “C” on the chest of Alex Ovechkin. Watching Neuvy in net that night was also a great highlight for me. And, finally, this was also the night that inspired my Ode to Tweetup’s post. It was an epic #caps108 that night!

February brings the Olympics and no Caps game for us. We took the opportunity to go up to Hershey and finally take in a Bears game. My winning season continued on 2/27/10 with the Bears winning 9-2 over Bridgeport. Sadly, I wasn’t thinking clearly enough to devise a plan to get my camera into Giant Center, so I only got one decent photo with my cell phone, but, I finally got a chance to watch Holtby play a game and could not keep my eyes off the man. I have my own video of his quirky antics on my iPhone to enjoy whenever I feel a little blue. It was a great road trip, and we hope to do it again soon.

March was my only failure to obtain Caps tickets this season. I wanted to go to the Rangers game on 3/6/10. Sadly, tickets could not be obtained and we missed witnessing Theo’s first shutout in person.

Finally, time to close the season out. Last night against Boston was the first loss I’ve seen at Verizon Center all season; Bruins won it 4-3. (Come to think of it, I only saw one loss at Verizon Center 08-09, but that’s a blog post that didn’t get written). It was also my first in person shootout finish of the season as well. Now I’m not counting this game as a loss in MY winning season. Who could be disappointed with game that included a Chimmer/Thomas “scuffle” and a shootout finish with Brads and Gordo taking the shots! To cap it all off, who wouldn’t enjoy watching hockey players disrobing for fans? (Yeah, not really, but a girl can dream, right?)

So there you have it. My winning season. Oh, and the Caps winning season as well. It’s been a hell of a year, but it’s not over yet. I don’t expect to have tickets to any playoff games, unless some kind soul decides to reward me for my winning ways. Not to worry though. I’ll be there in spirit and hope to continue more winning next season.

(All of the pictures in this post can be found on my Flickr page with lots more. Well, except for the last picture from yesterday's game. Still editing the 895 shots taken and my real job is taking precedence over that happening any time soon. But they will get there. Done now, check them out!)

2 + 2 = 8

A lot of people are expressing concern at the current lack of goals by Ovi lately. I’m here to tell you that maybe; just maybe, Ovi has something else in mind. Call it a hunch.

As Caps fans, we are a spoiled bunch. We have the greatest current NHL player on our team. (Debatable by some, but not by Caps fans). We have watched him win award after award, and accolades aplenty since his rookie year. Many have come to expect this to continue this season, but would any of us really be that disappointed if the only award Ovi and the Caps won this year was the Stanley Cup?

I can’t claim to have any personal insight on what is going on in Alex’s head right now in regards to his game, but there lots of clues to what he might be thinking.

Yes, Ovi is currently in the top 3 in the NHL standings, but, is his objective to be MVP? It would be nice, but I don’t think he is focused on that. He has made it quite clear to one and all; the man wants the Stanley Cup.

I like to think that his record is what it is because the man is a beast on the ice, it’s what he does. He couldn’t help that if he tried, but, two different sets of suspensions have shown that this team can win games without relying on Ovechkin. That’s a good thing. It also takes a great deal of pressure off of Ovi. I’ll say it again, the man is a beast, God love him, but it takes a whole team to win the ultimate prize. Let’s get real people; I would rather have him healthy going into the playoffs then injured, just because some moron like Downie tried to take him out during a regular season game to prevent him from getting a puck in the net. If he isn’t a scoring machine right now, just wait. I’d be more concerned if he wasn’t scoring during playoffs.

There is also the position of Captain to consider. The honor of being named Captain is not something I think he takes lightly, nor is it something that will be gone at the end of this season. It’s a promotion and sign of respect that is serious business. I enjoy watching this more mature Ovi play. Back at the beginning of the Olympics, in an interview translated by Russian Machine Never Breaks, Ovi is quoted as saying “It is better to celebrate wins, not goals”. I think in Ovi’s mind, this applies to Caps wins too. As an athlete, he has to apply that to his personal game no matter where he is playing. He makes great assists, doesn’t hog the puck like he is the only one who can score. He is not only a team player, but a team leader. Sure, there are times when he had a scoring opportunity that wasn’t taken, but just look at the other goal stats that the Caps have. We have 7 players with over 20 goals so far, and Mike Green could become another on that list before the end of the regular season. We have 9 players with over 20 assists. Under his captaincy, this has become a more well-rounded complete team. It’s no longer the Ovi show, but that’s something I think we can all live with.

So, as disheartening as it may be, let’s consider this Alex’s chance to rest up before the big show. He’s still on the ice, not on the bench, or God forbid; in the press box sitting out a game. He’s in there keeping his eye on the prize, staying an important part of his team’s success. Remember, the Caps already have the pieces in place to go all the way, and Ovi is one of the reasons why they are there. And as much as I would also like to see Ovi net a couple more to lead the league, if the only thing that we get out of this season is the Stanley Cup, I’ll be one happy Caps fan.

What’s Your Number?

I have a hard time deciding on a number for my Caps jersey, so right now, I don’t have one. I like to think I am a fan of the team, and picking a player is just too specific. What if your player gets traded? Seriously, how many times have you seen a Huet jersey, or a Jagr jersey (shudder), or a Clark jersey at Verizon Center? Do you think to yourself: “Whoops, somebody needs to buy a new jersey”? I do. And those suckers are expensive!

So you may say it’s a safe bet to buy an Ovechkin jersey. I would agree, thousands of other Caps fans would agree too. Don’t get me wrong, I love having Alex on our team. The man is…well, frankly, the man is the man! But is he my favorite player? The better question would be; is he the reason I am a Caps fan? No, but his skill and enthusiasm is one of the reasons I enjoy watching the Caps play.

How about a Backstrom jersey? Yes, Nick is a terrific asset to the Caps. He’s actually a very nice guy in person too. But is he my favorite player? Nope, although I do pay attention to his game and what he brings to the ice. How could you not?

Maybe a Green jersey? Have to admit, Mike’s stats make a good argument, but is he my favorite player? No, I find I’m not that enamored with the defensive game.

Ok then, willing to spend the bucks for a Semin jersey? The man does have a wicked wrister, but once again, no. I may be tempted once he gets more consistent, but for now, ain’t gonna happen.

I could always pick a former Caps player, like Langway. But that might make me feel kinda old, and the last thing I would want is to feel old! (Sorry Rod!) I’m also too old to pick a number because a player is good looking, even if there are quite a few of those to pick from. I don’t need to walk down the concourse with my husband, wearing a player’s number that I know I selected because he’s a hottie. Cougars aren’t usually married, I’m just saying!

If you’ve been paying attention, you should know by now that I am a goalie girl. So, is there a Theo, Varly, or Neuvy jersey in my future? Well, is there a Theo in the Caps’ future? Are Varly and Neuvy in for the long haul? Hopefully, yes, but you never know for sure. See where I’m going with all this?

I think Goat has the right idea, wearing a #74 makes good sense. But, with Goat getting pretty famous to other Caps fans, I’m going to let that be his.

Finally, there is the option of a number with “another” name above it. Can you imagine me walking around with a jersey that says CAPS GIRL on the back? Hell to the no, talk about a jersey foul! Only if I want to have it make an appearance on Puck Daddy’s site!

So, try as I might, I just can’t commit to buying a numbered jersey. I’m one of those fans who is repping the entire team. But, I’d love to know if you do, and also, which number and why. Maybe you can convince me to spend the money and get a new numbered jersey! Have at it!

Thanks, Caps Tweeps!

I have been on Twitter since February 23, 2009, happy one year anniversary to me. Thinking on that has given me an “attitude of gratitude” and so I would like to thank my fellow Caps Twitter tweeps.

None of you knew me prior to joining Twitter. For all you knew, I could have been one of those “bandwagon” fans. Looking at how long some people have been on Twitter, many of us could be qualified as such, but that would be a sad mistake to make. I have been a Caps fan for many years, thanks to my husband’s love of hockey, but didn't actually start attending games until the last few years. But when I joined Twitter, I never thought it was necessary to spell this all out. I was accepted as a member of the Caps Twitter community without question.

My original Caps jersey from the 80's, worn out stars and all.

Becoming a part of this online community gave me a second tier of knowledge that I had never had before. I sat back and listened, asked questions, and read blogs. Other peoples’ opinions gave me pause to consider. I found like minded people who also had a passion for Caps hockey. My Caps world was no longer confined to my husband and what little local media I could watch or read. (Don’t get me wrong, I am not dis’in my husband here. He is an avid hockey fan who has loved the Caps from the beginning. He has suffered ALL the lows and celebrated ALL the highs. His knowledge of the game comes from years of dedication to the team and has shared that with me).

As to being a bandwagon fan, je m'accuse! I will happily admit to jumping on a bandwagon for our AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears. Thanks to my pals on Twitter, and in large part, thanks to Teka (@sweetestofdekes), I truly learned how important the Bears are in relationship to the Caps. I’ll be honest, I never gave them that much thought until I joined Twitter and started following Teka. Another dimension to my fandom was added.

So, as I “celebrate” my one year Twitter anniversary, I want to thank everyone out there in the Twitterverse who has helped me become an even better Caps fan. Hopefully, I have returned the favor in kind…Any questions?

Snicks and Grins

Cabin fever can do crazy things to a person. This is the result:

In honor of Ovi’s first hat trick of the season and as a Captain, a little motivational poster.

The quote is pure Ovi.

In case you haven’t gotten a chance to meet our newest Washington Capital yet…

Ladies and Gentlemen, presenting #25 on your score card….Jason Chimera!

Also, my discovery of Semin looking like Mick Jagger makes me want to pseudo-quote Mike Milbury and ask: “Who’s your Daddy?”

Everybody loves MG52, except the stylist who let him get photographed with this look:

 

Finally, for anyone who needs a special Valentine of their own:

See what cabin fever does?

Enforcing Checks and Balances (A “Woman's” Perspective)

There has been a lot of discussion on whether or not the Washington Capitals needed an enforcer this season. I understand, I really do. Old school Canadian hockey is full of hard hits, pummeling fists, and bloodied players. There was a time when that was what many people exclusively watched hockey for; the fights. To this day, many still do. I suspect quite a few European players balked at coming to play in the NHL in the past because of the fighting. For the most part, they don’t play that way over there; or didn’t back in the day, maybe that’s changed.

I will admit; watching all in-balls out hockey fights can be difficult for me. I don’t watch boxing, and I don’t like seeing those heavy hitting, blood drawing, face disfiguring fights during a hockey game. Scrums are one thing, all out fisticuffs are another. Maybe I’m being a stereotypical female here, but I don’t get off on the sight of blood. What I do get off on is watching skilled players finesse a clean check to the boards. I can see why some fans enjoy hockey fights, there are times when payback seems to be the only choice. But, do we need players whose sole purpose on the rink is to be an enforcer anymore?

Let’s look at a recent example of a situation where the question of the Caps not having an enforcer once again reared its head. It wasn’t that long ago; Caps vs. Tampa on 1/12/10. After all was said and done, Ovechkin was the one who was criticized for NOT fighting when Matt Bradley jumped in to protect him from Steve Downie. I appreciate what Brads did to protect Ovi during this clusterfuck of a game. He stated afterward: “We have a guy like that going after our best player; obviously we can’t let that happen.” But, you don’t have to be an enforcer to protect your teammates. There are plenty of players who are not enforcers jumping into that role on an as-needed basis. Yes, tempers flair and scrums break out, nasty hits are made and penalties; hopefully; doled out. Teammates do need to look out for each other. You know what they say, there is no “I” in team. (Yeah, yeah, there is a “me”, I know the joke). But the reaction to that incident brought more cries for an enforcer, and more people drooling for hockey fights.

From nhl.fanhouse.com, this quote: “According to the folks at hockeyfights.com, Ovechkin has been involved in one regular season fight in his dominating NHL career. And quite honestly, it wasn't much of a fight. On Tuesday night during Washington's 7-4 loss in Tampa Bay, we were so close to seeing what Ovechkin can do with the gloves off ... until Matt Bradley went and ruined the fun.”

 (Just as an aside, the comments to that posting are as telling as the last sentence of that quote. I have a feeling if Ovi did get into a fight, he would lay someone out. He is bigger, stronger, and more mature than he was back in 2006. As much as I don’t like hockey fights, that is one I would probably watch, but that still doesn’t necessitate having an enforcer. Maybe that's why Brashear was traded to the Rangers, Ovi and the Caps don't need that kind of protection anymore and can fight their own battles.)

The days when hockey only appealed to men are over. You see women fans and people bringing children to games. For all intensive purposes, it looks like the NHL is trying to cultivate this new market of fandom and seems to be responding by cracking down on the types of fights and penalties that the enforcer would be most responsible for. The NHL is also trying to protect players from the disastrous consequences of the type of career ending damage an enforcer can inflict.

I know I’m going against the grain when I say we don’t need an enforcer. North American ice hockey will always have scrums, bad hits, and fights. It is the nature of the beast and one that will not be exterminated easily, if ever. But designate players to be that particular beast? Maybe it’s time to make a line change.

One final note: When we meet up against the Tampa Bay Lightning tomorrow, I’m sure several Caps players will have targets on their backs. You know who I’m talking about, right? So I may have to invoke my prerogative to change my mind about enforcers. If what could happen actually does happen, I will be screaming along with the rest of you and humbly submitting my apologies, hat in hand, foot in mouth.