Hey all,
Just a quick note. Yesterday DH played hookey from work (not feeling great - I think it was avoiding 6 am at the gym). Anyhow, we had to do some errands
- swapping loaner car back for the TT, so I bribed him to go with me (not wanting to pay for the repair - it's a long story), based on taking him to breakfast at his favorite Pancake place. En route he suggested that we meander over to the rink near the house (Ashburn) - where the CAPS will be practicing starting next Friday (because the new facility at Ballston isn't open yet). He'd heard that some of da' boys might be skating informally for this time until "real" camp opens on the 15th. OK - twist my arm.
So, we don't get on the highway, instead go up to the rink, cruise the parking lot - pretty empty - except for the brand new Porsche, some Escalades, and quite a mix of cars - including some beat up older Toyotas, pick-ups, etc - with plates from all over - Canada, NY, ME, ...Hmmm - guess they're here. So, we park, and ramble in. A good friend (and former teammate of DH's) comes over as we're looking in at one rink and we chat. Yup - some very recognizable goalies (Olie & Brent Johnson) with about 8 guys doing shooting drills while the goalies swap turns. Most of the guys in black or blue new CAPS practice jerseys, a couple of blanks (one with Montreal socks - our old pal Zed), and a speedy blonde in a red Slovakian olympic jersey (can you say Peter Bondra?). It was pretty fun. Our friend is going to manage the pro-shop at Ballston, and was there doing some training at this shop (evidently the ownership/management at Ashburn will be operating the rink that the CAPS actually own, and the same company with the Ashburn pro-shop is going to run that one). Then the COMCAST tv camera and some unknown reporter came in - of course the camera guy used to be our back-up (my "b" team) goalie. It's always a small world. And then the Wash Post reporter came in. And then the WashCaps website news guy. So, the fans - us - were outnumbered by the media. A few women using the new gym upstairs came by - they were all dressed in their tennis togs.
After drills the guys played some shinny (4 on 4). It was great - they were clearly having so much fun. And wow - the hands on Zubrus and Bondra. Oh, who was there - Bondra, Dainus Zubrus, Chris Clark (nice boy from Connecticut, who skates with Ovechkin), Richie Zednik, Brian Pothier (new guy from Montreal?), Shaone Morrison, Steve Werner (local boy made good), and Ben Clymer. Plus the goalies. Best pick-up I've seen - ever! And of course, after one team scored, no one would take a rest until they tied it up. At the end, when they did the "show down" - 1 on 1 break aways, and then started cleaning up. DH had asked if we wanted to hang and say hi - me
- not really - as I look kind of a wreck, etc. But, as we're hanging I hear Olie asking (yelling) for the puck bucket - which is right near us. So, DH got to take the bucket out, walking over to the goal with it (in his shorts and boat shoes of course) - say hi to the guys. Very cute - like little kids -with pucks piled in Olie's glove, and inside peoples jerseys).
So, that was our fun extra outing. And by then - no breakfast - but dim sum instead and I dragged DH into G Street Fabrics.
Had to share. It's so refreshing to know that some pro-athletes are actually joyful playing their game. And still down to earth.
Funnies comment of the day - some lady was upstairs working out in the gym when all the guys came in early to work out before getting on the ice. Her comment "my dream has come true" - she was pretty much overcome by the fine shape of those sharing the gym with her.
Later, ellice