From the Cubicle to the Crease

http://capitals.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?catid=-5&id=28104

I became a fan of the Washington Capitals the first time I saw Mike Green play. My college roommate happened to be related to someone who worked at the GIANT Center in Hershey. Since my college was located about 20 minutes from the rink, I managed to get to quite a few AHL games during my time there. And one year, the Bears dressed this young defenseman named Mike Green – fast as lightning with an uncanny understanding of the offensive side of hockey. Toss in Ovechkin, Backstrom and a gritty centerman named Brooks Laich, and I’m a closet Caps fan.

Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would add the name Brett Leonhardt to that list of favorite Capitals players.

Because I’m a fan, I listen weekly to the Capitals Report, a podcast featuring Mike Vogel and Brett “Stretch” Leonhardt of the Caps’ media department. They provide great information about the team, a lively interaction with their regular fans, and a little something to satisfy my hockey fix during the long train rides out of Philadelphia.

So imagine my surprise when I discover that this very same fellow I listen to on my iPod every week actually started with the Capitals as a backup goaltender against the Ottawa Senators. It must have been absolutely incredible to achieve a lifelong dream in a completely unexpected way. Imagine telling your grandkids years later that you once played on the same team as Ovechkin and Federov and Green. And you would definitely need the game-worn jersey to prove it.

Congratulations to “Stretch” on his first NHL game! Thanks for renewing the dream for all the undrafted overagers out there who work in cubicles instead of creases!