The Capitals have been creative when dining out of the Stanley Cup bowl this summer. Players and coaches have eaten caviar, Lucky Charms, Cap’n Crunch, and ice cream out of the prized trophy.
But over the weekend, we saw a first when Capitals video coach Brett Leonhardt made a humangous big margarita in the Cup’s bowl.
He even remembered to put salt on the brim!
By Cara Bahniuk 3 years ago
Brett Leonhardt’s long and winding career with the Washington Capitals has seen him wear many different hats. Since landing a job with the team in 2007, Stretch has served as the Caps’ video producer, Arena DJ, and emergency backup goaltender. But in 2018, Leonhardt became a Stanley Cup champion by serving as an official member of the team’s coaching staff.
Thursday, the six-foot-seven, goalie-turned-video-coach had his day with the Cup and brought the NHL’s championship trophy to New Hamburg Arena. The barn is located just outside of Kitchener, Ontario, and was where Leonhardt first learned to skate.
The moment was a dream come true.
Photo: Chris Gordon
Brett “Stretch” Leonhardt (he’s tall) has lived an eventful hockey life. Originally a producer and videographer for the Capitals’ website — and occasional Verizon Center DJ — he became known throughout the hockey world when he served as an emergency goaltender for a game in December 2008.
After Jose Theodore injured himself during a pregame skate, Stretch signed an amateur tryout agreement before the Caps faced the Ottawa Senators. Leonhardt later left DC for a job in the NHL’s war room in Toronto before coming back as Washington’s video coach in 2012. In 2013, Leonhardt, a former junior hockey and NCAA Division III goaltender, once again served as a backup, preforming his usual video editing duties during the intermissions.
Now, he’s added a notch in his storied career: wearer of absurd Barry Trotz themed socks.
By Chris Gordon 6 years ago
The Washington Capitals’ new playoff shirt is totally rad, you guys. Modeled by Michael Latta, the shirt is a riff on classic rock tour t-shirts of yore.
The text “Entitled to Nothing” on the front and 18 NHL cities as a tour itinerary on the back, the shirt evokes both nostalgia for the past and inspiration for the future.
Earlier Sunday, I documented one fan’s Caps Equipment Sale treasure: Mikhail Grabovski’s misspelled locker room name plate.
Here’s one more. Judy N. went to Fanfest and grabbed some goalie pads. But they were no ordinary goalie pads. She explains below.
His career NHL stats may read 0 wins, 0 losses, 0 goals allowed, and a 0% save percentage, but Brett Leonhardt is now just like one of the guys. On Monday, Upper Deck announced that they had created the long sought-after Brett Leonhardt rookie card.
And what a delight it is.
Washington Capitals video coach Brett Leonhardt was forced to pull double duty tonight after Michal Neuvirth injured his right leg during pre-game warm-ups. Leonhardt was the emergency back-up for Braden Holtby tonight. It’s the second time in his career he’s suited up for a game.
You’d think with all that extra responsibility Stretch might be given a break with his video work. Hell naw. Above, watch as Leonhardt clips up some plays in his full goalie gear. Yes, this is an amazing photo. Bravo, Caps PR for supplying us with this.
Washington Capitals goalie Michal Neuvirth was expected to play his eighth game of the season on Black Friday, but that did not happen. Neuvirth suffered an injury while skating out to the ice during warm-ups.
Speaking with Caps goaltending coach Olie Kolzig at the bench, Neuvirth pointed to his right knee. He was then helped off the ice and into the locker room, favoring his left leg.
A Mr. Big commercial from the
Photo via Brett Leonhardt on Twitter.
Alex Ovechkin sponsors a lot of things: hockey equipment (duh), razors, fancy t-shirts, banks, shoes with wavy soles. He has even lent his likeness to ESPN for a SportsCenter spot and his vocal stylings for an Eastern Motors commercial. Now there is something else to add to the list — giant Canadian candy bars.
Friday, former Capitals’ Web producer and back-up to the back-up to the back-up goalie Brett Leonhardt tweeted a photo of the new Ovi-themed packaging for Mr. Big Deal, a spinoff of Mr. Big bar which gets its name due to the fact it is, well, pretty freakin’ big.
By Chris Gordon 10 years ago
A mask is more than just protective gear for a goalie. It is a ‘keeper’s face on the ice, often showcasing parts of his personality. Capitals Red Line caught up with Semyon Varlamov to give fans the story behind Varly’s buckets.
By Chris Gordon 11 years ago
