It is a big tent. Long time fan or new fan. Long time resident or new to our community. Everyone is welcomed. We love you all.
Diversity is king. Community is wonderful. As noted within in this article ”a sense of belonging”; being with your friends and new friends is a wonderful experience.
Last night was a wonderful example. In a snow storm, the game was played. About 14 to 15 k people showed up and roared with delight. The ushers were there. The food services people were there. All our staff was there. We were all in it together and it was a fun night and another win. We keep the winning streak alive.
It always feel like we are in it together and we are most appreciative of your support - through thick and thin – and through good times and bad times.
And to the few folks who were truly emotional over the last 48 hours - cursing me out personally about our playing the game last night; or our awarding too many free prizes to the wrong folks at a certain Caps event; or that their DirecTV didn’t work last night - I empathize. I understand and I apologize for all. We try to do our best. Sometimes you don’t like what we do. I received an email this morning about trading Chris Clark, getting Jason Chimera back and naming Alex Ovechkin captain and how that act showed what a despicable human being I had become. I get it. We love you. We want you to be happy. We want to see you all at games. You are always welcome.
The tent is big. It is warm and nice inside. Come on in. Enjoy the ride. You can do it.
We absolutely love the team and what you’ve done to bring success from top to bottom in the.organization. On the other hand, I’m sitting in the dark in a freezing house on an unplowed street in Rockville, holding 4 precious tickets to the Pens game. Please do not let NBC or the league prevent this game from being rescheduled for Monday or later, so that the thousands of fans who are in similar situations have a chance to see the game.
Ted and all Caps fans, you will find this story interesting. One of your largest fans from the DC area is Hazel Cunanan a sever from Fado’s Irish Pub, came with me to Pittsburgh to watch and root for the Caps against Penguins. I grew up in Pittsburgh and told her what a great city it was and I knew she would add to the fun at the match.
Well here is the amazing part, Hazel wearing her Caps jersey and myself in a Crosby jersey were ejected from the match when the Caps were up 5 to 3 over the Pens. We asked for the reason we were being told to leave. The six usher would not provide us a reason. We were sitting at the glass close to the Caps goal. All Hazel was doing is shouting at the top of her lungs Lets Go Jose, Lets Go Jose. As she was shouting this over and over rooting for her Caps the ushers came over and told us we had to leave.
Now I know that there are lots of Caps loyal fans but how many go to the opposing team arena and shouting at the top of their lungs for her team to the point that the home team makes you leave with only three minutes left.
Personally I was embarrassed for my home team to be such bad sportsman that I was glad to see the Caps win that night 6 to 3.
One day if your around Fado’s Irish Pub your should stop in have a pint and ask for Hazel. She works Wed, Fri and Sat nights, unless she get’s tickets to a match.
Best. Post. Ever.
I’ve been a Caps fan since day one, and nothing has ever been as good as it is right now! Thanks, Ted, for all you do for this team, the fans and everyone in this city.
Hey Ted!
Great job with the team!!! I was one whose DirecTV didnt work last night, but I saw the game online!
I have tix for Sunday, but I have to say I think it would be completely irresponsible to the fans, players and staff to hold a Sunday game for “ratings” when conditions in DC have all local politicians asking people to stay home.
With Monday night free to work with, the NHL could do the right thing by everyone and give them a day and a half to dig out and get some roads cleared…the game is too important for the fans, and current conditions are NOT Friday conditions.
The horrible and sad passing of Brian Burke’s son on a snowy road is a heartrending reminder that we can all afford to take a breath and put people first….I say we not even endanger the health of the opponents and let them fly in normally tomorrow! I want a good game!
I’m amazed that in the midst of a 13 game winning streak anybody could find anything to complain about! This team is the best offensive team that I’ve ever seen, period. And the quality of this team is all thanks to you. I think it’s despicable that people would have the courage to complain to you about anything after all you have done for this team.
Leave the man alone people! All he deserves is praise for what this organization has become! If you want to see a bad owner and what they can do to a team, look at the Orioles or the Redskins. Those are bad owners who deserve to receive daily e-mails of complaints.
I don’t know how you do it, Ted. Unreal.
Ted, we are so fortunate to have watched you build the Caps into a fantastic hockey team whose games at Verizon Center have become the latest “in thing” to attend. Yes, I really can’t afford to come to as many games now but hey, we all have waited for the hard work of your organization to pay off! Its a beautiful thing to see and many, many fans love and appreciate you, Ted. There will always be the negative, hard to please people. Just know that most fans are true, die hard Caps fans who want what is best for the team, even if it means some of the past perks are no longer possible. I still will be driving from northern Harford County to cheer for our Caps as many times as possible. Thanks for the privilege and thanks for always being a true gentleman.
Ted,
Thank you. I love it all.
Toni
I was one of the ticket holders who could not make it yesterday. It was our decision knowing the weather conditions and our 1 hour drive from Greenbelt. Hoping our steet get plowed before tomorrow so we can go to the game tomorrow. Guess you can’t please some people no matter what you do. Go caps.
how can anyone not be happy with a 13 game win streak, not be happy OVI is captain and not be happy with Chimera as an addition to the team???? its confusing, i was so glad you all braved the snow last night so those of us at home snowed in could relax have a drink and watch the game so kudos and thanks to you , the players for both teams and the verizon center staff for coming out and working last night so the rest of us could still enjoy caps hockey!!
If those folks are so doggone smart, why aren’t they successful business folks that own their own NHL team?
My Jeep is dug out. Just waiting for the town of Leesburg to plow my street. Will get to the game Sunday regardless! If the Penguins make it to town, we’ll be there!
Teddy, I guess some people can’t handle happiness. But me, I am loving every moment of it. I love seeing the shear joy on the faces of the team and the fans. And I cant imagine how proud Coach Bruceee must be. Talk about a realty show! Who does it better then “The Caps” and its franchise. Way to Go Caps!
What a wonderful post. With all the pervasive divisions that have been built up in this town over the years, I love seeing that people are seeking out the communal fandom of the Caps. I hadn’t seen an atmosphere like I did in the Verizon Center since college—where all that mattered was that you had come to the arena to cheer, and you were instantly welcome for it. Thanks Ted for building an organization that fosters such an atmosphere like that in this town; we need and love it!
For all those people who cursed out Ted…..what is wrong with you??? Stop bitching and grow up. Ted didn’t “draw” us out there. He didn’t hold a gun to our heads and make us go to the game. We wanted to be there, plain and simple. There were plenty of people there last night and it was fun to watch them win 13 in a row. The roads weren’t bad getting into the game. The metro was open after the game. And I drove home at 10:45pm without a problem, just used common sense while driving. If you didn’t come to the game, that was YOUR choice, not, I repeat, not Ted’s. So you have to deal with it and leave the man alone and quit whining like spoiled children who didn’t get their way.
The ones that get upset and rant are the ones that do not understand how the system works. With out the choices that you have made in the previous years, we would not have the team that we are joyfully watching now. I have been a fan since I was 4 years old, and now that I am about to turn 26 on the 13th, I love seeing that spark that this tremendous team has ignited in my favorite city. Keep doing what you are doing, the veteran fans appreciate it!
It was a fun game last night.
If there is a game on Sunday, I don’t know how we will get to it, but if it is possible, we will be cheering the team from Section 107.
It must suck to get people yelling at you when you are trying to be your best. From most of us to you: thank you for your efforts. You enrich our lives.
Long time fan who has brought many new fans with him here. Keep up the good work. Not your decision when DirecTV goes out. That’s the weather. Not your decision when the game is held or canceled. That’s the league. As far as the trade – it’s a business. Even Wayne Gretzky got traded, and he’s a heck of a lot better than Clark and Chimera combined. We seem to be doing a lot better as a team now, so I would say it was a good choice.
Keep on keeping on, Ted. Don’t give traction to the detractors – you have more fans than not. You must be doing something right!
The Clark/ Juice for Chimey trade seriously bummed me out but now I look at it like I look at Halpern in Tampa – I pay attention to the Blue Jackets and Bolts to see how our ‘ex’s are doing which gets me involved with more NHL teams around the league.. I bleed RED but I’m passionate about the NHL as a whole. We can still support all players no matter where they are, but I wear nothing but a Caps logo..
I’m totally in the tent – have been for over 20 years.. The tent just got REAL NICE since Mr. Leonsis has been leading the ‘party’
It is a shame that you continue to receive these ridiculous emails. I hope people who abuse your access understand that you can cut it off at any time. Passion is great. But you deserve courtesy and respect for how you have run this franchise and made yourself available to your customers. Must be Pens fans on a sabotage mission ( or some real screwballs!)
Wow what in the hell, tell them to become Toronto fans and they may come back grateful. I know you can never keep “everyone” happy; but seriously what more could you do as an organization. We are the best hockey team in the world…I just don’t understand. I actually feel like the Caps are kinda my family, and every game is when I get to see them again. Being a fan for 15 years, has never payed off in a more grandeur manner. LETS GO CAPS!
We love you, Ted! (Can I have some free tickets?
Yeah Ted, you and George have built the best team in the entire league. You should be ashamed of yourself. GO CAPS!