Being a 'New Fan'

I've never hidden the fact that I am new to the game. I never followed a season worth of hockey before this year. I only started playing ice hockey this January, my first game ever being on the Canal with the big freeze! The name of this blog even pays homage to how new I am to the sport. So what?

I bring this up after seeing a comment about my relative lack of experience following the Caps posted to Ted's post linking my blog a few days back. It was as if the rest of the words didn't seem to matter to the reader, just that I had only been with this team for two post seasons, and that made my take less worth while. I couldn't help but note that he hadn't mentioned anything about the Wounded Warriors program, good to see his fan rage takes precedent over thinking of something important like them.

So what makes one fan think his words are more important than another? Years following them? How often have they been out to a game? What seats they fill when they get there? How about how many practices they make it out for? Events in and around the area put on by the team? Merchandise owned? Signatures gained?

I hadn't paid attention to the NHL until this team was pointed out to me. This group of guys that skated fast, hit hard, and played the puck with a style I hadn't seen before. If it weren't for this team and the hard pressing offensive game they play, would I be paying attention to hockey right now? Were it not for them would I be watching every game I can every night it's on? Would I have my cable box tuned to NHL network nearly every day for at least a few hours to learn more about the game I've come to love so much all over again? If it weren't for the Washington Capitals would I be itching every day to get back out on the ice myself and press my game harder and a little further? Would I be hitting the gym to make myself better on the ice too? Would I even know about the Wounded Warrior hockey program to try and help with it?

This team created a hockey addict out of me. I can't get enough. My wife loves this game and watches every game with me because of this team. They've inspired me to get back to the game I loved as a kid on the street and to take it to the next step out on the ice. I've lost 15 pounds and am likely in the best shape of my life (even after 5 years in the US Army). I'm meeting new people I wouldn't have met before, striking up conversations I wouldn't have had. I'm finding new ground with old friends. The longer I think about it, there are more and more things that spring to mind about all of the great things I would be missing out on if it weren't for the Washington Capitals and the great cast of players/coaches/everyone who makes the team run.

So when you go to criticize someone about the lack of longevity in their respective fandom, think twice. Just because you've watched a bunch of games, doesn't make you more dedicated to the game and the team.

Hockey Wire Sculpts and A Neat Surprise

For my 3D Design course final, we are required to put together three sculptures of similar size and shape but differing materials. I was slightly stressed over just what I was going to put together since learning about it. Then out of the blue, I remembered that I already had two wire sculpts that I had done on the side, my Hockey Players!

So today, I took a bit of time out of my morning to head out to Home Depot and finally pick up the proper wire, from the concrete section and get to work on the last of the family. I also picked up a can of metallic spray paint to give my final sculpt a different finish, this time in gold. Overall the idea worked, three similar styled sculptures with three varied finishes. Similar aesthetic with a different feel to each.

The best part is that I now have the proper wire to make more and will likely see about putting these up for folks to order who'd like a unique, fun, but great looking decoration. I've also had a friend point out that he'd love to see one 6 foot tall in bronze outside an arena somewhere someday, and I'm inclined to agree with him. I could easily see something like this outside of Verizon in the future. I wonder who I would have to approach for a project like that :)...

Speaking of people I'd have to approach, after my sculpt was finished, I made my way lazily through the hockey blogs this afternoon and to my surprise, Ted Leonsis, owner of the Capitals, had linked my little corner of the hockey blogosphere. It's always fun to see something like that. Oh and Ted, if you're reading now, see my ideas in the paragraph above!

Hitting the ice tomorrow at Kettler for Open Hockey at 1130-1300, hope to see ya there, I'll be in red as always ;).

Playoff Dissappointment and Wounded Warriors

It's only my second playoffs following the Caps. Unfortunately it's no easier to deal with their loss, in fact, it's likely worse for us this year having followed the Caps through nearly every game of the season. I wouldn't have ever believed the team would be taken to task so hard so early. The Habs played a hell of a defensive shut down at times and Halak was ridiculous on far too many shots for my liking...

So now what? Well, there's the rest of the playoffs, but very little stock in who wins. I have some hope that the Sharks will get through to win it out, mostly so my friend PJ will finally be satiated and I won't have to listen about their consecutive failures. Only now, he'll have to listen to my own wailing next year.

The quarter finals are all interesting with any game having the ability to swing to either team in an instant. I just wish I had another team I cared about even a fraction of how I felt about the Caps this year. But I don't. The Caps have ruined me for any other team!

I'll be watching for news and hope to see some of the World Championships in Germany. I don't know much of the rosters yet, but Russia has Ovi, Semin, and Varlamov in house now. Though apparently Varly is running around in flip flops after the airline lost his bags and gear!

On my own personal hockey front, I've contacted someone to see about helping with/becoming a part of the Wounded Warriors hockey efforts here in Maryland. I'm not 100% certain the person I contacted was indeed who I should, but at the very least, I hope they would have contact info for those who are indeed in charge of it.

I served in the Army from July 2001 to Jan 2007 and spent a year tour in Iraq where I was wounded, luckily just a flesh wound that didn't nick anything important. For a while now I've wanted to do something with those who were wounded far worse than myself, and a few months ago I heard about the Veterans taking the ice through Ted Leonsis' blog. Hopefully I hear something back and get a chance to do something for a fellow vet.

Hope to see some ice sometime this week at Kettler. Legs need a bit of a work out!