The Game-Night Ritual of Pulling Over the Jersey
by Stephen Pepper on Mar 23, 2009 3:08 PM EDT
90 comments
photo credit: "Marge" via alexovetjkin.blogspot.com
Each early evening of a game night, a game for which I'm fortunate to have a ticket, I relish that magical, transformative moment as a fan when I pull over a jersey just prior to leaving my home (or hotel room) and making my way to the arena. A fan may get a tingling, prideful feeling when buttoning up his favorite wide-collared shirt, clasping on those sweet cufflinks (you know, the vintage ones with the wheel of cards; or these), sporting that perfectly tailored suit. Or when slipping on and zipping up her favorite dress. Slammin'. Ah, but putting on that jersey, feeling that synthetic weave over your head, fight strap tickling your back, brings emotion of a different quality altogether.
Long before I ever laced 'em up to play hockey on ice, I was a fan. And in those early days as a young teenager, with no other connection to hockey, I treated my first couple of Capitals jerseys with a care befitting the Shroud of Turin. (Ok, not quite.) Washing a jersey was out of the question. A stain sent me into a panic. But, slowly, I emerged from that ignorance to realize that jerseys were made to be washed, even played in. Still, whether it's as a spectator or a player, putting on the jersey is always a uniquely special occasion.
I attended the Caps' road game at MSG on February 11. A healthy number of Caps fans were there with me that night but, of course, we were all smack in the heart of Rangerville. I boarded a crowded E train on my way to the Garden, filled with commuters and a sizable contingent of Ranger fans. My home red Boyd Gordon gamer stood out about as much as one could stand out in a Gotham subway car. An older gent sat across from me reading the NY Post sports page, and his eye caught my jersey. He looked up at me and muttered "Should be a great game tonight. You got a good team there." Heh. I have a good team. And it was a wonderful feeling to saunter through the catacombs of New York's Penn Station on my way to the arena, wearing the bold colors of a renegade tribe. Well worth the price of that jersey.
It's always a well-contemplated decision of what jersey to wear on a given game night. Some nights call for the Alex Semin replica. Others call for Gordo. During the 2006-07 season, unable to wait for the return to the original colors, I wore this fictitious Caps sweater. (I know, a jersey foul, some might say.) And all manner of superstitions may dictate the wardrobe result, though I've tried to distance myself from those.
Research studies abound concluding that the style and color of uniforms affect performance, can bring forth powerful emotions, and even fundamentally alter our behavior. For what it's worth, the Capitals' dominant color of red "is a sexually selected, testosterone-dependent signal of male quality" and can alone lead to greater athletic success.
We wonder if "Professor" Matt Bradley feels just a little bit brainier, authoritative, wearing that white lab coat. And we wonder what you feel when you wear your Capitals jersey.
For fans, donning the colors of a uniform resembling, as closely as possible, those worn by one's favorite team on the ice is a tremendously powerful bonding experience, bringing us together with our fellow fans as well as, at least superficially, with the team on the ice. Wherever they may be. It's perhaps a significant reason for many fans using "we" to reference the team they love.
More fascinating than the thrill of wearing a Caps jersey itself is breaking down the decision-making process of choosing a particular player's sweater to purchase and wear. Often, the players whose surnames we wear on our backs reflect how we perceive ourselves and how we want to express ourselves.
Wearing Bradley's jersey may signify that you're a very determined fellow, quick, full of heart, witty, and perhaps disposed to important environmental causes. Wearing Alex Semin's jersey may underlie a desire to identify with razor-sharp athletic skill, artistic brush strokes of pure genius on ice. (Or, perhaps, you enjoy drumming.) Sporting #8 may mean that you always shoot for the stars, look toward nothing but the ultimate package of grit and glory. Or perhaps a Caps jersey with NNOB is for you. The team and community come first, above any individual player.
Further, do you more enjoy celebrating old glory, or looking to the future? It's quite a different feeling when pulling Kevin Hatcher's home #4, with captain's C, from the early '90's out of my closet, then when I slip off of its hanger Stefan Della Rovere's blue practice jersey from development camp.
So what's your favorite (or only) Caps jersey, and why did you choose that particular player (or no player)? Do you have any pre-game ritual focused on pulling over those threads? How does it make you feel when you go out into the world wearing a Caps jersey?
2 recs |
90 comments
|
Email
Print
Comments
I’d always been a NNOB guy until #8 came along and I got the black and gold Ovi jersey. Now my #1 is the Green red, and a white Laich is in the ordering queue, once my “finances” are in order.
The keyboard is mightier.
by breed16 on Mar 23, 2009 3:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
So I guess that makes me a shoot for the stars, flashy and elegeant, gritty hard worker with leadership potential. ;)
The keyboard is mightier.
by breed16 on Mar 23, 2009 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sure thing. Just don’t tell people that you have a hot stick.
by Stephen Pepper on Mar 23, 2009 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why not? You can be the next Smilin’ Bob.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Mar 24, 2009 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hmm, don’t have one yet ‘cus I’m rather poor, 3 kids will do that to you, but I have my eye on a Green homer. Maybe for father’s day?
by SethB on Mar 23, 2009 3:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
How do you not wear the Semin jersey in NY? Afraid of running into someone wearing a Mara?
by Ginga on Mar 23, 2009 3:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Fair point, I actually hadn’t thought of it that way at the time.
by Stephen Pepper on Mar 23, 2009 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wore a White (old white) Semin jersey to MSG back in 07 I believe and got nothing but filthy comments the whole time up in the 400’s :)
" 60 percent of the time...it works everytime"
by shwedy on Mar 23, 2009 6:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rags fans are nothing if not clever. I love riding the LIRR back to my parents house after a Caps/Rags games.
by Fehr and Balanced on Mar 23, 2009 6:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have an Ovechkin jersey (Rookie season), and a red Ovechkin #8 T-shirt, and I also have a Semin jersey (Away, ‘08-’09), and a red Semin #28 T-shirt. Depending on my mood, I wear one T-shirt with the other’s jersey – the superstition being that one is close to my heart while I display the other’s name proudly!
And it’s my superstition, too. The last two home games they lost, i wasn’t wearing the combo because I didn’t have time to change before those games.
by DrinkingPartner on Mar 23, 2009 3:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Kolzig homer, got it last year for x-mas. I have always had NNOB jerseys until that one. Picked Kolzig because I’ve always been a fan of him from his start to the Vezina and the tough post-lockout years. Wanted to pay tribute to him everytime I went to a Caps game.
As for other clothes? Tons of red caps gear, always wear my Laich 21 shirt on game days. If the Caps are losing, I’ll switch to my Ovechkin 8 or Semin 28, but Laich is my go to guy and I may get a home red jersey of Laich when I retire my Kolzig. I want to get some autographed Olie stuff and frame it with my jersey.
I’m also not one of the guys who has his jersey signed by everyone. I just haven’t had time to do it. Although I did get Ted Leonsis to sign my white postal service jersey back during the Jagr days.
by CapitalsKremlin on Mar 23, 2009 3:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I know we’ve discussed it before, Pep, but how weak is it that on the night that they retired Garts’ #11, they had all the players – and even Garts himself - wearing Garts jerseys with the friggin’ patch (as pictured) rather than the legit logo stich?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 23, 2009 3:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Most definitely inexcusable. It was one subtle reason for using that photo.
And Nate Ewell, though otherwise gracious and forthcoming, did not have an answer for me when I asked why the original jersey could not be exactly replicated. Unfortunately, only Mitchell & Ness, a Philly company, has seen fit to properly re-create the original jersey.
by Stephen Pepper on Mar 23, 2009 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This has led to my absence from the jersey sites as my next jersey must be a true Rod Langway jersey, not with the dang patch. I have looked high and low for them and have yet to find one.
Previous to that I had a “Capital” white which was retired once OV’s John Hancock was scriped and I now rock a white Greenie since he is (barely) the most metal of the Caps.
by MetalCap on Mar 23, 2009 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ve got a bunch of jerseys (more than I need, by miles), but my go to these days is a red Laich authentic or a white Green authentic.
Most embarrassing? Kris Beech Calgary Hitmen that I won in a bet (the only saving grace) and which arrived three days after they traded him to Pittsburgh. Just an all-around epic fail on my part.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 23, 2009 3:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I got a game-worn Suts jersey the year he was MVP of the Young Stars game and "future captain material." So that’s up there. At least it was a charity auction.
by Stephen Pepper on Mar 23, 2009 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t wear colors often, but my brother does to every game, and it’s become a running joke for several years that when he buys the jersey, bam, the guy gets traded/waived/whatever within a matter of months. Not just sent to Hershey, but gone from the system completely. Halpern, Zubrus, even Zilla now.
I’ve implored him not to get a Backstrom jersey, ’cause 8 is done already—that one feels safe.
by bigonetimer on Mar 23, 2009 3:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I’ve always been nervous about getting a player jersey as well – Traditionally my jerseys were ALWAYS players from teams who left, because my parents always stopped in Indiana with me on my childhood trips to grandma’s in Illinios to get factory flawed jerseys. I remember getting a Raiders jersey with Hostetler, Redskins jersey with Johnson after he was gone, crap like that. Then, got an Arrington Jersey, he was gone shortly, and after it happened with Bondra and Stephen Davis, I was done. I’m thinking about an Ovechkin now, cause I’m not worried about it. I’m toying as well with Erskine or Kolzig.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Mar 24, 2009 12:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Meatman is a stud.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Mar 24, 2009 12:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great read, Pepper.
No, the throwback Ovechkin is NOT a jersey foul. Here’s hoping we see that used as a third jersey soon. I’ve had two Capitals jerseys. My first was a gift from my Dad, a home (white) Scott Stevens beauty. Then he got traded about six weeks later. Always the danger of buying a jersey, I guess.
Got my second one last year – a throwback red Hunter jersey. Love it – favorite Capital of all time and the old jersey can be worn now and fit in with the new look. Anyone who bought one of the blue/black/bronze ones… I feel sorry for you now.
by Cap74 on Mar 23, 2009 3:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I was never really a jersey guy, but I’ve been thinking for a while of getting a Calle Jo jersey to honor my long-time favorite player (as suggested by my username). But besides the fact that it’s tricky to find an old-timey CJo jersey (especially authentic), I think the current model is way sleeker. Obviously, I wouldn’t get a jersey from today with a former player’s name (definitely a jersey foul), so here’s the dilemma — if you’re just getting one jersey, do you go for fashion or loyalty?
Also, though I’m not generally a fan of the fake-color jerseys, it’s ok to get the soon to arrive baby girl a pink jersey (or onesy) right? (I suppose I could just get a pink Bears jersey, and then that solves that….)
by #Six on Mar 23, 2009 3:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Pink jerseys. Gah. Can we please NOT perpetuate that atrocity? Pretty please? That sort of crap is for puckbunnies.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Mar 23, 2009 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Totally agree here. Pink! Yuk! Unless, of course, your team’s color IS pink. ;-)
I’m okay with the female cut in the proper colors, but, dang it, it’s a jersey, not a T-shirt!
by gfcaps fan on Mar 23, 2009 7:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You both realize I’m talking about a newborn here, right? Seemed cute, but, ok, message received. Tough crowd, though.
Anyway, what about the main question: if you only get one, do you go with the ugly jersey of your all-time favorite player, or the sweet jersey of a current, cool, but not all-time fav player?
by #Six on Mar 23, 2009 11:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don’t let fans tell you how to be a fan. If you like the pink stuff, go for it, it’s your money, use it how you want to. :)
by CapitalsKremlin on Mar 24, 2009 12:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agree.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Mar 24, 2009 12:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
In fairness, there’re a lot of new fans out there these days.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Mar 24, 2009 12:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s one thing to say “hey don’t stand up during the game!” and another to say “don’t wear pink/ring a cowbell/wear a jersey that says Crosby Sucks”
If we are going to be a hockey town, then we need to create our own hockey town, and part of that is letting the fans be themselves. If you paid for my ticket then yeah, I’ll follow your rules, but if you didn’t, let me be my own fan within reason.
Do what makes you happy, be the best fan you can be, but do it within reason.
by CapitalsKremlin on Mar 24, 2009 12:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Last night my posts got put into weird places. The fairness comment was meant for a different post. Note that Meatman came in an entirely weird place.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Mar 24, 2009 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Personally, I wouldn’t spend that kind of money on any jersey that’s only going to fit for a few months, but that’s just me. I may be a fan, but I’m also a pragmatist. Hey, it’s just an opinion.
I do think it interesting that the two of us who objected to the pink are female.
by gfcaps fan on Mar 24, 2009 6:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, there’s a reason for that, honestly. I as a female fangirl find the pink a little insulting. Come on, I can wear red too :) shrugs I guess you’re right. To each his own, But … gah.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Mar 24, 2009 8:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Naw, it’s all good, didn’t really have a strong opinion one way or the other and appreciate the advice. I do want to raise her up right, after all. Not sure how I got to be the pink jersey guy, though; think I should probably go out and buy a Fleischmann jersey now.
(Oh, but I do appreciate the backup Kremlin and Mage, thanks. For what it’s worth, I’m an old old fan.)
by #Six on Mar 24, 2009 8:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No reason not to go for both. I’m no proponent for jersey fouls, but I always appreciate a funny jersey (Crosby Sucks) or a good/neat looking one (i.e. in Redskins colors). They both show support for the team, and personality, which the league appears to need, desperately, whether we’re players or not!
by DrinkingPartner on Mar 23, 2009 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ve got two right now – a NNOB homer with a pile of signatures all over it, of which I’m still missing a few key ones, and a Backstrom homer. The Backstrom homer was a birthday gift, much requested, requested because (a) it wasn’t Ovi, who I love but man, everyone’s got an Ovi jersey; (b) because I thought he totally deserved more credit than he was getting and was a beast in his own right; and © because he’s flat adorable :) I also picked up a red Alzner T-shirt for the playoffs.
I’m contemplating a third, this one the away whites and with either Laich or Fehr – still waffling while I get my finances in order for it.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Mar 23, 2009 3:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Although, you know? Thinking about it, a lot of people here carrya torch for Schultz. What better way to do that than to pick up his jersey?
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Mar 23, 2009 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
A game-worn Schultz from this season will set you back a paltry $450. An investment in the future?
by Stephen Pepper on Mar 23, 2009 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Unless g/s is rather tall, my guess is she’d be swimming in that sweater.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 23, 2009 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Swimming? I’d be wearing a circus tent! :D Thanks for the thought, though.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Mar 23, 2009 10:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
With my weight, I could probably pull it off.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Mar 24, 2009 12:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have a Backstrom home that I got for my birthday last year. Next on my list is Laich or maybe Fleischmann, only because it means meat man, and because 14 is my lucky number. I have a bunch of other caps stuff though.
by Ovechwin on Mar 23, 2009 4:07 PM EDT reply actions 3 recs
maybe Fleischmann, only because it means meat man
Need we continue this thread? No comment will top that one, try as we might…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 23, 2009 4:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Semin homer. Because he’s a spectacular player and the Alex on the team that needs a little more attention. Plus, I’m a girl, and have a huge crush on him. I’m maybe a little biased.
by Caps1Fan on Mar 23, 2009 4:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Girls just love Semin; there’s no need to explain it.
by zephyr on Mar 23, 2009 6:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My first jersey was a Jim Carey but not the one in my icon, the “redesign.” I thought it was cool to have the new style but I regret not getting the old authentic. They are hard and expensive to come by. I finally found one and had it lettered for Bondra my other favorite player from that year.
As for the new model I have a red Backstrom but I wore it blank for the entire season. Picking the name was a long process and I settled on Nicky after his amazing playoff series. Before that I bought a white Ovechkin the night he signed his contract. At the time it seemed like the least I could do.
by RED503 on Mar 23, 2009 4:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Nice choice on the Net Detective…I have a red Carey authentic that’s my favorite (in fact, you can see me wearing it on CSN coming out of the commercial break with 7:32 left in the first period Saturday night).
As far as other Caps sweaters, I have a blue Bondra, a blue Sweden Backstrom, and red Laughlin, and a red Ovechkin. Next on the list is a current white sweater and am torn between Laich and Bradley. But I’ll save that for the off-season!
by Kerry Fraser's Hairspray on Mar 23, 2009 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nice! Carey was the best Capitals goalie ever. As long as you exclude the playoffs and games played on other teams. Well he was at leas the best Caps goalie named Jim.
I think.
by RED503 on Mar 23, 2009 5:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Awesome Post.
Fans wearing hockey jersey’s are one of the coolest traditions this sport has. Before everyone started rocking football or basketball jerseys the hockey jersey was first the ‘fashion’.
My first jersey was a Dale Hunter jersey back when I was in 5/6th grade. Unfortunately I quickly outgrew it -I replaced it with a couple blank ones, then eventually with a captain Kono jersey. Fortunately though, my wife quickly adopted that Red 32 jersey last winter and rocks it for the big games. It is still my favorite jersey of them all (and favorite player). Since then my jersey choice has always been for the grinders. I’m not a finesse guy. I’m the guy that does the dirty work, and I’m cool with that.
As for the new jersey I fought long and hard and it ended up with a white Clark. Then every now and then I rock a red Green jersey (that I took from my brother since he doesn’t go to as many games).
The next jersey will be red and either Alzner, or Laich, right now its a battle, but Alzner is in the lead at this time (he’ll be here for a while).
But I just love the fact that my wife still rocks my original Hunter jersey. He was the reason I started watching hockey.
by vt caps fan on Mar 23, 2009 4:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Thanks vt. Looks like you got most of the bases covered: heritage, captaincy, defense, star power, lunch pail guys.
by Stephen Pepper on Mar 23, 2009 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If I remember correctly the Kono jersey was “appropriated” by you from my closet.
by topshelf_22304 on Mar 23, 2009 6:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Technically the Hunter Jersey was a hand-me-down as well (but it was a blank when you got it).
And yeah I jacked your Kono jersey, I was a poor recent college grad, you never claimed it back.
Good luck getting your Green jersey back.
by vt caps fan on Mar 23, 2009 7:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Steckel home replica……wanted someone I thought would be here a while, that wasn’t run of the mill.
never let the truth get in the way of a good story
by toymechanic on Mar 23, 2009 5:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
My first jersey was a blue and white blank Caps jersey from what I think was the 1996-1997 season. I outgrew that by the millennium, and was jersey-less for eight years (that alone is a jersey foul).
Back in 2005, I begged the ’rents for a Fleischmann jersey ( Note: 2005-2006 season: 14GP, 2PTS). At that time, a Flash jersey was only available through a jersey customization, therefore providing the perfect excuse for my parents to pass on the possible Christmas gift.
At the end of that season, I watched the 2006 NHL Draft and fell in love with Backstrom’s game. When I used to play, I feel like we had similar styles (except he’s a little better). I bought a red Backstrom jersey on December 12, 2007 (against the NYR), and returned to my seat just in time to win the Move of the Game. I swear the jersey is good luck.
by Simply Sensational on Mar 23, 2009 5:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn’t jump to that conclusion yet until you catch a Chipotle burrito while wearing it. Then you’re on to something.
by Stephen Pepper on Mar 23, 2009 5:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have an authentic Ovechkin Away jersey … with his contract, I figured he’ll be here long enough for me to save up for another one.
by jquarter on Mar 23, 2009 5:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
on a completely different topic, I just had to review a policy for Rob Zettler
by SethB on Mar 23, 2009 5:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I’ve always had NNOB until this season. Now I wear a Red Laich. My gf wants a Kozlov, she’s in a NNOB Red.
I have a white dome signed by the 03 team, 2 Reds, 1 White Eagle with Kolzig and Bondra.sigs.
The white eagle was my first really jersey and I’ve had that one for like 11 years I think.
I have like 50 other jerseys but they are all from teams I play\played on and most of them are goalie cut so they aren’t very good for wearing out =]
by zephyr on Mar 23, 2009 6:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I have my red Steckel and my white Backstrom.
When I look at steckel I say " man, if I was good at hockey I would play like him" . Not sure why but I love his hustle and his play with limited “skill” …thats why I got his jersey.
I got Backstrom because I also really enjoy his style and his skill. His passing and his ability to slow the play down is amazing.
I think for me “who” the person is, is important as well. In hockey we don’t really have those problems but its important that they seem " like a good person"-whatever that means.
" 60 percent of the time...it works everytime"
by shwedy on Mar 23, 2009 6:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
My only current jersey is an apparent jersey foul, so I won’t join in the fun here. I do have a Mitchell & Ness red throwback (NNOB), but my wife took it to the season ticket holder party two years ago and had it signed by current players, thereby probably causing some jersey foulish rift in the space time continuum so that I can no longer wear it (although I wore it to the Garts number retirement game).
by Scott in Shaw on Mar 23, 2009 6:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Hatcher
By the way, I’m a little surprised that no one has sought to take me to task for cherishing a Kevin Hatcher jersey. Perhaps his name has some new-found reverence, as it’s his goal number than Mike Green is chasing.
by Stephen Pepper on Mar 23, 2009 7:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I guess my only question is do you have the matching purse? :)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 23, 2009 8:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ive got a blank red throwback, a Bondra black (signed now, so i no longer wear it, after living in it in high school), i have a white Konowalchuk (eagle) a blue blank which i plan to get the 98 Cup Patch on and customized for “Juneau 90” and my current wear is my red Backstrom.
i ordered my Backstrom last year and got it in time for the run to the playoffs. i settled on Backstrom because i saw the potential, and i know he’ll be here a long time and him and Ovie will make wonderful music together for a long long time.
by DonCaps819 on Mar 23, 2009 7:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
lol i forgot i also have an Ovechkin black. gotta have an Ovie jersey.
by DonCaps819 on Mar 23, 2009 7:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Damn.
A blue ‘eagle’ with JUNEAU 90 on it – that would be a damn sweet sweater. I can just see that very sweater and the guy wearing it in my mind, sending home a rebound past Hasek to win the East. That was a hell of a jersey, I always hated that they shelved it for the hideous black ones.
by Cap74 on Mar 23, 2009 7:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
my first jersey when they brought back the red, white, and blue was ovechkin, simply because it was the only one that would fit me (kids size, haha). once i decided to go for the nice women’s cut one that actually fits me, i picked laich. i get a lot of crap being a female fan with a laich jersey, but i thoroughly enjoy the look on people’s faces when i legitimately explain why he’s my favorite player (and don’t include his attractiveness as a reason, haha)
by kellobellow on Mar 23, 2009 7:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
He is one of my favorite players for multiple reasons.
Rawr!
by Ovechwin on Mar 23, 2009 7:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The photo on the left is Cobain-ish.
by CapitalsKremlin on Mar 23, 2009 7:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s something.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 23, 2009 8:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
oh yes, note i didn’t say he wasn’t attractive, i just said that’s not why he’s my favorite player ;)
by kellobellow on Mar 23, 2009 9:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wanted something other than Ovechkin only because everyone has one, and I ended up talked into it anyway. Not that I’m complaining. And it saved my kids a lot of money (they were buying it as a gift) as for some ridculously unknown reason Modell’s was dumping them last summer.
But we made up for my wimping out — I had to pay full retail to get them a Laich and a Semin.
by gfcaps fan on Mar 23, 2009 7:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Being the ultimate cheapskate that I am, I only have one jersey. A Luch (Russian manufacturer) 2004 Ovechkin Dynamo Moscow, in home white. The last game I attended was the loss the ’Leafs at the first of the month, and I was heckled not once but three separate times from fans who must have mistaken cyrillic writing for Canadian.
"I tried to capture the spirit of the thing"
by tuvanhillbilly on Mar 23, 2009 8:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Have a white NNOB new one. So last year during the ‘rock the red’ playoffs, was wearing my seriously old school, authentic red #5 Langway – that got a lot of comments.
Was thinking about putting 91 Fedorov on the back of my white jersey, just because I think it’s so amazingly cool that Fedorov plays for the Caps, but I think I’ll leave it blank.
Got the wife a red Ovechkin for her b-day last year, nice that we’re both dressed for games now.
by katzistan on Mar 23, 2009 8:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Nice, show us a pic of the Langway.
by Stephen Pepper on Mar 23, 2009 11:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bought a white Ovechkin jersey after the unveiling of the new jerseys at Kettler to get the discount price that was offered by the Caps. With the increased emphasis on wearing red, I bought a red Backstrom at VC before this season started. I still like the white jersey better but have not been able to remove two stains on the sleeve even after repeated washings so I don’t wear the white jersey to games much anymore. Sadly, my choice for player name was based upon who I thought was least likely to be traded. I have a Konowalchuk jersey and a Bondra jersey. I got a Zubrus jersey in a charity auction the same year he was traded and then I got a Pettinger jersey in a charity auction the same year he was traded. After those experiences, I no longer enter charity auctions for Caps jerseys.
by NovaCath on Mar 23, 2009 9:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
my old vintage fit me back in middle school but not so much now Dino Ciccarelli with the stars falling off the sleves may be my favorite. I still break it out every once in a while, mostly for pre game bar crawls, but have to wear a long sleeve Ovechkin T underneath otherwise it looks incredibly ridiculous, and not just partially ridiculous.
by Sombrero Guy on Mar 23, 2009 11:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
First of all, Pepper, that old #8 is so awesome and I want it so bad. Don’t be ashamed. I thought about getting one myself.
The jersey I will always remember is my screaming chicken replica Gonchar jersey. It was my first Caps jersey. He was my favorite Cap at the time (as a new Caps fan when he was young) and I was fortunate enough to go to STH events where I had the jersey signed by pretty much the entire 98 team. Despite this, I still washed it plenty (wore it through the entire 97-98 season and playoffs). I later got a Kolzig black (with the weird lettering from the first year they wore them) but it was never the same. I won’t even talk about the abomination I got after that. Let’s just say it followed a big trade.
When I pulled on my red replica #8 at MSG this year, I felt that same rush all over again. There really is nothing like it.
by grapejoos on Mar 23, 2009 11:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Since I’m a relatively newly serious fan, my first sweater was a home red NNOB, but it turned bad luck. Funnily enough, its good luck when my friend wears it so I gifted it to her. I wanted no other Xmas gifts this past year except a home #10. Got a red Ovi instead, but its been much better luck, so I’m sticking with it. Someday, I’ll get my Bradley sweater, maybe a Laich. Although I’ve got to be honest, I really want a Della Rovere. Pulling my 8 on for a game gives me more excited butterflies than pulling on my senior prom dress or cap & gown ever did.
by jmu_capsgirl on Mar 24, 2009 12:01 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah. But I also get a sense of responsibility – when I wear that jersey, I think of myself as an ambassador for the team, either at home or out of town, and I try to behave myself just a little bit better.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Mar 24, 2009 8:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
- Red because I got it cheap (“authentic” chinese fake).. looks good from a distance – was only $75 and it actually surpassed expectations.
Next is a red laich, because I’m just not a fan of the white jerseys.
by OvechkinLaichsSemin on Mar 24, 2009 8:24 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Err, that was supposed to say #8, but it auto formatted.
by OvechkinLaichsSemin on Mar 24, 2009 8:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ve got the white eagle with NNOB, which had to be given to me as a present years ago. Saving up for a red, but who knows when I’ll actually be able to afford it…
When I wore it to the last Bruins game this season (in Boston) I got a full rant from some guy on the train about how Ovechkin is a billion times better than everyone, “especially Crosby and Malkin” :)
by DemoDaze on Mar 24, 2009 9:50 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I’ve got the white eagle with Jagr on the back…(sigh)enough said.
by bigmac1124 on Mar 24, 2009 11:10 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
We’ve got one of those as well…. in the attic.
by DemoDaze on Mar 24, 2009 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My first (and only) player jersey was a Zezel jersey. I have been too scared ever since that fiasco to personalize any of my jerseys.
by Moonage Daydream on Mar 24, 2009 1:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
#6
My first jersey I got when I was 11. It was an adult size Medium Calle Johansson jersey. It is my favorite jersey
by The Admiral on Mar 24, 2009 2:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I wear a white NNOB, and bring a red t-shirt of Kolzig with me if people give me crap about not rocking the red. Also bring my white pom-pom I got during a playoff game against the Sens back in ’98.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Mar 24, 2009 3:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
White NNOB
i still play some and whenever i get dressed, after i pull the jersey on i always put my dukes up (left hand cocked). silly and immature i know, but when i pull on any hockey jersey i want to be ready to go.
by CAPS NEWS NETWORK on Mar 24, 2009 4:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
meant to say, White Classic NNOB
also, i had a “jersey off their back” from Ron Low, and a b!tch in college stoleit from me. i’ll never forgive or forget that.
by CAPS NEWS NETWORK on Mar 24, 2009 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
FanShots
Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.
Recent FanShots
Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Washington
|
22 | 13 | 5 | 4 | 30 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
19 | 8 | 4 | 7 | 23 |
|
Atlanta
|
18 | 10 | 6 | 2 | 22 |
|
Florida
|
20 | 9 | 9 | 2 | 20 |
|
Carolina
|
21 | 4 | 12 | 5 | 13 |
(updated 11.21.2009 at 8:36 AM EST)
Certain photos copyright © 2009 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
