On Frozen Blog

Approaching the John A. Wilson building on a sunny Tuesday morning, I reflected on the once-unlikely event about to occur. Official recognition by the Washington D.C. of its hockey team would have been unthinkable not too long ago. The way the Capitals started this season, positive recognition seemed a far-off mirage. But as the team fought back into contention, it won the hearts of Washingtonians along the way, including several on the District of Columbia City Council.

The Wilson, home of the City Council and adjacent to the more modern but blander Ronald Reagan Building, has quite a history of its own — changing ownership, money issues, resident/tenant turnover — not unlike the Capitals’ past in some respects. But the Wilson, like the Capitals, is now a well-established and stable part of Washington. The building is a fairly impressive sight to behold, both outside and in, including an elaborate stucco ceiling in the council chamber and art sprinkled throughout the hallways.

Around 10:00 a.m. Ted Leonsis entered the chamber, accompanied by Washington Capitals defensive stalwart Shaone Morrisonn. They greeted several councilmembers and other guests, including a wheelchair-bound youth and DC Fire Chief Dennis Ruben.

Apropos the District, the meeting started about 30 minutes late. With still images of Capitals players in action on the screens behind the council, the session began with some bureaucratic shuffling and a roll call (all but Marion Barry were present; his name plate is likely closer to hockey in this photo than he will ever be).

A bit after 10:30 a.m. Councilmember Jack Evans (of Ward 2, which includes the Verizon Center) introduced Leonsis and Morrisonn. Evans’ ward includes the Verizon Center, and he emphasized how the excitement of the Capitals’ run “energized our city in a way that I haven’t seen since the Redskins won the Super bowl . . . it’s been a long time.” He also highlighted the courageous play of Morrisonn, who had a separated shoulder and a broken jaw during the playoffs. Morrisonn still had his jaw wired this day as he continues his recovery.”

The best part of the resolution: “WHEREAS, The Washington Capitals Rocked the Red in the ‘Phone Booth’, displaying tremendous skill, spirit, and athletic achievement on the ice.” Yes, the phrase Rocked the Red (and “Phone Booth”) are now in the official record.

Leonsis took to the podium, thanked the council, and jokingly pointed out a dozen or so red-clad Unite Here affordable housing proponents as evidence of “rocking the red” in the council chambers. “A dozen years ago,” said Leonsis, “Washington didn’t have a professional sports team.” Now five professional teams play within the District’s borders–the Capitals, Wizards, Nationals, DC United, and Mystics–evidence of a renaissance in the city of Washington as a sports destination.

Morrisonn presented Evans with an autographed Capitals sweater, which Evans accepted with a smile as a brief highlights video started in the background.

So yes: It was a photo op moment. But Councilmembers Evans and Council Chair Vincent Gray were genuinely enthusiastic in their praise of the Capitals–and as any long-time Capitals supporter knows, such public and genuine appreciation is a far cry from not so long ago, and a heartening sign of hockey’s improving stature in the nation’s capital.

Click here for video from the event, or here for for the full text of the council resolution.