A Washington Capitals fan wrote to me to complain about my entry on how I know that Washington DC is becoming a hockey town. He wasn’t satisfied with the statements that I made in my post and he asked me for more specifics. So, here you go – even more reasons for Washington Caps fans to be happy:

A Washington Capitals fan wrote to me to complain about my entry on how I know that Washington DC is becoming a hockey town.  He wasn’t satisfied with the statements that I made in my post and he asked me for more specifics.  So, here you go – even more reasons for Washington Caps fans to be happy: 

 * Our season ticket sales renewals are very strong.  I believe we will be close to an 85% renewal rate by the start of the season – much higher than last season’s renewal rate of around 60%.

* Youth hockey and recreational hockey in the metro area is growing every year. 

* TV ratings were up 56% last season.

* Sponsorship sales were up last year – and we expect to do even better this coming season.

* This area supplies a large subscription base for NHL Season Pass – a fact I know well – because when a Caps game isn’t shown, my inbox is the one that gets all the emails of complaint.

* Alexander Ovechkin’s jersey has become one of the best sellers in the NHL – and he is on the cover of EA Sports NHL 2007.

* The Washington Capitals Message Boards recently registered its 2500th user.

* Go to Google.com’s blog search, type in Washington Caps, and see how many listings you get.