Ladies and gentlemen, Ted Leonsis is holding the #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/m9qstgCMGW
— Jake Russell (@_JakeRussell) June 8, 2018
Back in the winter of 2001, I was in 8th grade, and I went to a Caps game with my Dad and my cousin Don. Don always seemed to find new opportunities: he was great at staying in touch with people, was willing to try new things, worked hard, and found ways to open interesting doors for himself. Don had a good idea for me: I should email the new owner of the Caps, Ted Leonsis, and ask him if I could get a press pass to write an article about the Caps for my middle school paper, the Pyle Prowler. This was back in the days when Leonsis — a former AOL executive — would respond to every email from fans. (His email was [email protected].) I was a little nervous, but Don and Dad were so supportive, so I sent Ted the email.
And sure enough, Ted emailed me back to tell me that he was happy to set me up with a press pass for an upcoming game! I got to sit in the press box, eat with the other reporters, interview Olie Kolzig in the locker room, and get a glimpse of what it was like to be a reporter. It was one of those experiences that made me think, “I could probably do this when I grow up.”
It’s incredible to think what’s changed in the years since. I’m lucky enough to work in journalism. And last night, after all those years of heartbreak, I got to watch the Caps win the Stanley Cup.
So I wanted to say: Thanks for the encouragement all those years ago, Don. Thanks for the press pass, Ted. And thanks for the win last night, guys. Thanks for finally — finally! — bringing the Cup home to D.C.
No words. pic.twitter.com/mCODtPEWEK
— NHL GIFs (@NHLGIFs) June 8, 2018