title quote from R.E.M.’s ‘Night Swimming’
I was out in DC last night, partaking in a tradition I had long ceased, but relished in re-experiencing. I went to a Washington Capitals hockey game.
When I lived in the DC area years ago, I was a bit of a hockey fanatic. Ok, that may be an understatement. I was a season ticket holder for about 8 years, and even attended every single regular season home game a couple years, plus traveled for away games. I own multiple Caps sweaters (jerseys) and have met, taken pictures with and stalked several players.
But then came the lockout. I didn’t give up, but the players I long obsessed over were gone and the new team was barely of age and barely played NHL level hockey. My interest waned. And then I moved away… to a city who’s only regular hockey presence was an ECHL team. I didn’t want to pay for NHL center ice b/c not being there live, but watching on TV, depressed me and made me wish for times passed.
So I stopped watching hockey.
3 years later I move back to the DC area for a job opportunity. While I was away, apparently the Caps became, well, good. I knew they had acquired one of the best players in the NHL before I left, but things were not connecting for them in the early Ovechkin years. Sometime between then and now, they connected. They are #1 in the southeast division, #2 in eastern division and #4 overall. What?? All those years and thousands of dollars and all I got was a mediocre team at best. Now that I am broke, can’t afford season tickets, the team is a contender for the Cup.
wow.
It was strange being back in My arena, where I spent many many nights cheering on my team. Walking around this now sold out venue, seeing all these faces that are no longer familiar. New jerseys, new logo, new colors. New and revitalized town. Last night was surreal. Oh and the Caps won 7-4. What a difference 3 years makes.
Filed under: events
