This is a very straightforward article about the issues we face, as do all multi-use buildings, in keeping up the ice surfaces at NHL hockey games.
We at the Washington Capitals and the Verizon Center and the NHL care about these issues. We are focused on these issues. We do not want our fans and our players complaining about these issues. We want the quality of the ice to be good to great for every game. That is a pretty basic deliverable we have as an organization, high quality ice surfaces.
We care for the safety of our players. We care about the quality of play.
I don’t ever want to reprimand a player for statements that they make. I do think it is fair for them to speak their mind. I do wish they didn’t make blanket statements that, at times, aren’t based on technical facts and are uttered in the heat of the moment to the press without speaking internally first. That is usually the right forum for working through issues. At times, our ice isn’t at the acceptable levels. When that is the case, we are all concerned and work hard to get to the remedies prescribed. We listen to our players and our staff. We are all over the issues as they arise. We all want the ice to be at high standards. We are in it together. We aren’t working at cross purposes.
We will try to stay focused on “perfect storm” scheduling issues so that tear down and build out is better timed to make better ice. That is a big issue for us all.
We try to keep the building colder and at the right temperature and humidity. The NHL is involved in all building matters. The Verizon Center staff is focused on the matter. We at the Caps are very focused on the matter and our coaching staff and players all have input too.
We are all doing our best.
We will try to do better. I promise.
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I think the first big problem is that when you walk in to the VC from outside on a 50 degree day, you feel warmer inside. It should be about 55 degrees in the place and feel like all the humidity has been sucked out of the air. People who go to the games in shorts should feel a chill…even when there are 18,000 + fans.
It’ll never happen until you own the building Ted… but there is hope, Abe can’t own WS&E forever… (that’s also why there’s hope for the Wizards too…)
I think your players have the right to speak to the press, without having to clear it through the organization. You certainly have the right to request that they do not do so, but recognize that it has a chilling effect, which to me, is troubling.
I think Pepper’s got the exact right attitude to all of this:
http://theredskate.com/2009/02/10/hockeytown-part-iii/
Ted, we complain because we care. And we care because you’re giving us a very good product these days. Four years ago folks were saying “there’s ice under the basketball court? really? what for?” But now thousands of people are quibbling over a few degrees of temperature and a few percents of humidity.
My mother likes to say “no good deed goes unpunished.” Well, I say no success goes unpunished. So get that ice right! Get Alex the very best sticks! Find Theo the very best goalie pads! Hire the very best trainers to keep everyone as healthy as possible! Because this is all very important to all of us. And for that, congratulations. They said Washington would never be a hockey town. I guess this is what happens when a city of wonks and lawyers falls in love with a team.
Good luck managing the love.
I really feel for you on this issue. I know that everyone involved is PAID to make the ice perfect, but, aside from the players on the ice, all the critics need to back off a little.
There were unique circumstances at play on this particular day that probably made the ice less than acceptable, and with everyone working together, hopefully this will not happen again.
I will have to think on the statements that ice is to blame for not winning the Cup yet. If that is the case, lets just play on rollerblades on the Wizards court.
Good Luck
Ted: haven’t you put posts on this very blog in the past DENYING that there was an ice problem at all? I believe there is and I’m glad that you see that there is. If it is true that Clark, Poti, Morrisson believe that the bad ice caused their groin pulls, I am sure you can understand why they are concerned. Not to mention that the bad ice gives the Caps opponents an advantage since the Caps style is based on speed and detracts from the experience for the fans.
Ted,
As a Caps fan, I appreciate you being forthright about ice problems at VC. However, I am skeptical that anything will improve until there are significant changes in VC scheduling policy or new technology can be implemented to preserve/prepare the surface.
Ice quality will be an especially big concern for the playoff run, when scheduling and ambient temperature and humidity may even be worse than during the regular season. Will we have a tear down of the surface during the playoffs if we go all the way to the finals?
Any serious Caps fan is sympathetic to your plight in dealing with the ice. We know you are personally completely committed to excellence for the Capitals and we are very grateful for your enthusiastic, and thoughtful stewardship of the organization. You are clearly one of the most talented owners in all of North American sports.
However, I am resigned to the possibility that our home ice conditions will negatively impact our ability to win a cup, and that ice conditions could endanger the careers of our players. Until you control the VC, or the owners of VC become committed excellence in ice over revenue from Circuses, these issues will persist.
Let’s Go Caps,
Jay
While it is a shame at the quality of ice at VC an acknowledged problem (as evidenced by player, media and fan and ownership responses), I really think people should give Mr. Leonsis the benefit of a doubt.
He has consistantly shown his passion and enthusiasm for the team and has invested a lot to the success of the Caps organization. We are blessed to have an owner such as him.
I know that everyone wants a solution to the problem today, but things take time. I personally have full confidence in Mr. Leonsis and his team is persuing a solution to this problem to their best ability. Give the guys and break and let them do their jobs. Hopefully they can get resolution sooner rather than later.
Tom Poti is a veteran, and if he says the ice is an embarrassment, I believe him. You and I don’t skate on it.
This has been an issue too long. I will hold you to your word that it will get better.
Thanks Ted! Go Caps!
Ted, I know you are doing all you can. I am concerned for 4 reasons:
1) Poor ice advantages our opponents, who depend less on skill
2) Poor ice risks injury to our players
3) Poor ice makes it less likely (all else equal) that top free agents will sign with the Capitals
4) Poor ice makes the game less enjoyable to watch and, relatedly, reduces the “morale” of fans and team
Thank you for your efforts.