As the playoffs begin, we want all of our players to have a singular focus – the pursuit of the Stanley Cup.For a lot of teams, that means closing practices to the public in the playoffs. I don’t believe in that, and I’ve promised that all practices at Kettler Capitals Iceplex will be open and free. We do, however, want to make it easier for our players to go to and from practice. With that in mind we are establishing a secure area for players to park their cars that will be off-limits to the public.
I know many of our fans enjoy getting autographs from the players as they leave the rink; I know there have been many days that I’ve looked out my window and smiled at the sight of so many people in red in the parking lot. But at times, especially recently, the crowds have been overwhelming.
I hope our fans understand why we feel we need to do this to create a more focused work environment for our players. And please keep in mind that this is by no means a permanent move.
Thanks as always for your support, and we look forward to seeing you at Verizon Center, Kettler Capitals Iceplex and around D.C. during what we hope are an exciting few months ahead.
@ Larkin
REALLY?!? I mean are you serious?!? You must be joking. Good Move Mr. L. I agree with all the comments above expect that Larkin guy. Prob bandwagon lol.
Larkin, I think you are missing the point of this. The team needs to focus and rest. There are so many more fans at these playoff practices that its just not pracrical to do business as usual. And Ted did say this is not permanent. And as he said, respect the process. Winning a Stanley cup is more important than making sure everyone gets autographs, wouldn’t you agree?
Ted: Great decision, maintaining focus will be key for the team these playoffs. The press and we fans here in DC are just so hungry, we do indeed need to understand and during this first series the atmosphere and attention for the games in Montreal will be even crazier.
Perhaps indeed if and when this team’s ultimate goal is achieved the team can do a few days of a “fan appreciation week” in June after the parade on F street – at least that’s my hope, I have a few autographs I’d like to get for my Jersey that I’ll hang over my home bar if/when that happens, and such an event or events would be quite helpful to my quest.
LETS GO CAPS!!!
One game at a time — 16 times, yeah, that’s the ticket!
Teddy, Yes, focus and be in the moment! Do whatever it takes. The fans will understand. We know what’s important! Did BRUCEE make his “to do” list? Keep it close to his heart and Unleash The Fury! Lets Go Caps!
Great move. To the Larkin’s of the world: Let the boys be. Let them have their space to focus on the weeks ahead. The Caps are still the most approachable franchise in the area, if not the country.
The American citizens paid my salary for 25+ years, but I sure didn’t want a bunch of folks hanging around me as I peered at a radar scope, keeping 1000′s of lives safe.
You pay for tickets to see a game, not to invade a player’s personal space on his time off. Paying for tickets or apparel does not give anyone the right to invade a person’s (read: Capitals)personal life.
I think Ted and the Capitals have been very generous with their time. And we thank them for that.
@Larkin – How rude can you get? Jeez!
This is a good move, Ted, and I, for one, appreciate it. I want the guys to have a good, secure work environment, especially during the playoffs, and I understand this move completely.
I personally never follow players to their car, or seek autographs, or do anything but fingerwave or maybe say hi if I run into them in public outside the facility, but some people are not so nice about it.
Thank you Larkin for representing the view of the 6 year old. Now go grab your blankie and watch some Sesame Street.
Win. Just win. Nothing matters now. Hey Larkin, stay home.
I approve of this, they need to keep their eyes on the only trophy that matters.
If BB and GM GM believe practices should be closed to the public, close practices to the public.
Great idea Mr. Leonsis. We had access all season long to the players — let’s let the boys focus on what they need to focus on and bring home the Cup.
Smart move Ted. I for one want the guys to keep focused on the games ahead and winning those games (hopefully 16 wins). The other smart move was taking the time to let us know about the change, the reasons behind it and letting us know that it’s not permanent.
Keep up the good work!
We understand. You have to put the team first now. I hope no one complains about this. We have so much access to the team almost year round, this minor change should be graciously accepted. Let’s hope it is.
Sounds reasonable to me
Im sure no one will mind!
We understand Mr. Leonsis. Go CAPS!!!!!!
Is it really that hard to take 2 mninutes or possibly up to 5 minutes out of your day to sign a few autographs for the fans who pay the $100′s for tickets and $25 for a stinking t-shirt at the KCI proshop??? If it weren’t for the fans showing up and spending their hard to earn extra money- would the Caps be able to pay $4 million a year for players? Maybe it is time to stop going to the games and just watch on TV. The approachability of the Caps was the one thing that separated them from the Redskins,Nationals and Wizards. Not anymore I suppose… I guess this wasn’t announced during “fan appreciation” week for a reason—
Ted,
I am sure that this will not be a popular decision but I wholeheartedly support it. The Capitals fanbase loves its players, coaching staff, support personnel, and owner. It seems logical and reasonable to do what is necessary to ensure a safe work environment for your employees. Failure to do so would be criminal given the circumstance. Keep them safe. GO CAPS!!!
Hey Ted whatever it is that you need to do for our players to bring home that shiny silver cup we are behind you 100%!!!
Keep up the great hard work! Let’s Go Caps!
I think this is a good move…and so nice that we will still be able to watch practices…
Good decision by the Caps. The less distractions the better for the players. It’s the playoffs and the team needs to stay focus and get as much rest after practices. Plenty of time next regular season for people to get autographs.
Great move. Our boys need to focus on only one thing….bringing the cup home to DC.
Ted,
What a great compromise. You are spot on that the players and coaches need to focus on winning each playoff series. The team will need to win the series one at a time to bring home Lord Stanley’s prize!
Arnold Lee
Go Caps! My sincere hope is that they win the Cup and have to sign autographs wherever they go in the DC area.