Yesterday was a full day.
Hit the golf course with friends, partners, sponsors and NHL execs at 7:00 am to get out before it got too hot. At 7:00 am it was close to 90 degrees and when we finished our round it was close to 100 degrees. I hit it pretty good but was truly exhausted by the 15th hole. I honestly believe I drank 6 bottles of water during the round - didn’t perspire at all - and still felt dehydrated. I can’t imagine what that round would have felt like had we had any alcohol. Since I don’t drink, it was not an issue. But I saw some hurting cowboys out on that range. Drinking and playing golf in the desert doesn’t mix - that is for sure.
We followed golf with lunch with some league execs and then got ready for the NHL Awards show. We walked the red carpet with Ovechkin and Fedorov and went to our seats. I got to meet Mike Bossy and he and Alex spent some time together. Mike had 9 consecutive 50 goal seasons and won many Stanley Cups. He is a very classy and gifted man indeed. I also met many fans of the Capitals during the walk into the auditorium. Thank you for the great support. It was noticed by all and we are quite fortunate to have such great and passionate fans.
It is a special feeling to know that BOTH Alex Ovechkin and Mike Green were named first team All Stars. That is first time in our history that we placed two members on the end of the year team. We were the only team to do so in the league this year.
I was disappointed that Mike Green didn’t win the Norris. He had a once in a lifetime year statistically but I believe that Zdeno Chara was awarded the trophy for his lifetime body of work. It was wonderful to meet both of Mike’s parents and they were very proud of their son. He was in great company and I believe Mike will be an ongoing candidate for this award. Mike’s mom gave me a hug and a kiss and thanked me for taking such good care of her son. That was a special moment for me.
It was also a thrill to see Alex Ovechkin win three trophies this year. He is a maturing young man. He said all of the right things on the podium but what he truly does understand now is that we have to win a Stanley Cup to get the ongoing respect of the league and of the entire league’s fan base. He is a two-time MVP player now and the greatest player in our team history. As he said, ”What a life!” Can you name me one other two-time MVP player that isn’t in the Hall of Fame? He is having that kind of career and he is still a very young man.
The importance of winning a Cup – that is what Alex and Mike will take from Vegas and bring back to DC. Winning performance-related trophies is special but winning and being able to kiss the Stanley Cup is historic and career defining for the players and the franchise. To see the aura of the Stanley Cup – which I still have not touched - is really awe inspiring. It is the most coveted trophy I believe in all of sports.
After the awards show, we all mingled by the pool at the Palms Hotel and then we all moved inside to the Palm’s Casino night club called Rain. I met with the Maloof brothers who I consider good friends. They own the establishment and also own the Sacramento Kings of the NBA. I must admit, when the music is loud and it is dark and hot in the room, I wonder why they call it a “networking” event. It was more like a shouting match. Herewith one of my conversations with an unnamed team exec:
“Hi, good to see you. Great season.”
“What?”
“I said great season.”
“What?”
“You are a moron if you say ‘what?’”
“What?”
We talked with literally hundreds of league execs and players and media members and we also got to meet fans from all over the world. Meeting and talking to fans is my favorite part of the equation.
The two days of events were really well-handled and produced by the league. A fun time was had by all. Time to go to the airport and come on home and then get back to work on the draft, trades and free agency. Go Caps!
Teddy, it really was an exciting season! I was amazed at how attached to the players I became. One thing is for sure, this team has turned D.C. into a hockey town. I am soooooooo looking forward to next season because I know “The Cup” awaits us.
“We were the only team to do so in the league this year.”
Didn’t Thomas and Chara from Boston also make the 1st Team?
Good show, Caps!
I am still extremely grouchy after the Pens “won” the Cup. But a little less so now, I guess.
Oh, BTW, I could have told you about alcohol and desert golfing. I usually get a splitting headache by the time I hit the back nine in the summer.
Sapper
Assuming the 2009-2010 season starts on October 5th, that’s only 108 days away. So close, yet so far. It will be fun to see the Caps back in action, in a packed home rink, with fans rocking the red and hopefully the squad celebrating a Stanley Cup win this time next year. Go Caps!
Hi Ted:
Congrats on a tremendous season. I have followed the Caps for every season on their existence, so I’m getting a little impatient here for a Cup!!!
What do we need to know about trades and free agency? Let me rephrase: what % of any changes to our roster will come via trades, free agency, or other McPhee sorcery?
Thanks for this blog/forum and for your access – peace.
Wow ! just think three more points and OV would have had back to back four trophy wins. I think he played less games than Malkin, so all things being equal, he would have won the four major awards two years running. i would still trade them all to see him skate the Cup !
Congrats Ted once again to see that all that hard work and dedication in young prospects is paying off. Have you bumped into any Pittsburgh fans that haven’t been so nice to you yet? I was really pulling for Green to get the Norris. He had a great season and was really fun to watch. I hope he can repeat his performance for years to come and improve on his playoff performance.
Chara is a terrific player and I have no problem with him winning. Hopefully, Green will have his day.