I finally made it out to Kettler Iceplex in Arlington, Va. for a Washington Capitals practice. I’ve gotta say, it’s a much better experience than going to a game for a reporter. We’re much closer to the ice for photos, the players come out and hang around longer in the locker room, the coaches all hang out. Not sure why I didn’t do this before, other than logistical reasons. It’s far easier to go to a game than driving out to Arlington in awful Beltway traffic during the day.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get one of the interviews I wanted because the player had gotten sick. In fact, six of them were sick, so I went to the Capitals shop to look for a Capitals surgical mask.
I also got to watch the beat reporters work, which was far more amusing than educational. These reporters spend so much time talking about hockey that they get sick of it and move onto other things.
I got a few photos and some offbeat information, but more is to come.