More From the Caps Facility
These Caps guys are shocking the world as is. Who knows to what heights they can ascend once they play in a practice facility that boasts majestic views of downtown Washington, all the modern bells and whistles and incredibly easy access to Panera and Dalton Books?
No good news comes without a caveat, however. In this case, it's that captain Chris Clark can't fit his Dodge pickup truck into the garage on top of which the new practice facility sits. He needs 6-feet-8-inches worth of clearance, and this garage offers just 6-7. He tried to enter during an appearance last April, and his truck hit the little yellow bar, so he gave up. And his truck isn't tricked out or anything; it's just tall. He's thinking he might try to park at the Harris Teeter across the street. I told him maybe they could work out some sort of sponsorship deal, where he makes an appearance promoting, say Harris Teeter's bakery section, and in exchange they agree not to tow his car.
(Remember when Kwame Brown had a promotional deal with Whole Foods? There were large cardboard cut-out Kwames holding barbecue implements at Whole Foods locations all over the area. I got one of the cut-outs after the promotion ended. Kwame was wearing an apron. Ah, Kwame; why have you left us?)
The practice facility also boasts three huge banners, of Rod Langway, Dale Hunter and Yvon Labre. And since Ted Leonsis reads this blog occasionally and will probably wonder why I haven't said anything nice yet, I will note that the players were quite enthusiastic about their new digs. Brian Sutherby called it "pretty spectacular" and "world-class." Chris Clark called it "unbelievable."
Also, Sutherby lives in the District, and Clark lives in Alexandria, so both will have considerably less onerous commutes. I asked them how they'd use their newfound free time.
"Sleep," they said, in unison.
So not only will these guys have easy access to Panera; they'll also be better-rested. Look out, NHL.
(I've been meaning to mention that you can go here to submit questions for Ovechkin on Paul Kukla's NHL blog. They only want unusual questions, by the looks of things.)
By Dan Steinberg |
November 1, 2006; 3:42 PM ET
| Category:
Caps
Previous: Live from the Caps new practice rink |
Next: Your Caps Questions Answered
Get This Widget >>
