No Matter How Hard You Try...You Can NEVER Expect the Unexpected

My best friend Mia and I had been planning a trip to Kettler for at least four months—finally we found a weekend that worked for the both of us, and it seemed like that day would never come. We both waited not so patiently for the weekend, as it ushered in both the start of spring break, and, our beloved trip to Kettler.
We spent the night at my house, and when the morning came, we eagerly gathered up our jerseys, cameras, sharpies, and posters and ran out the door. Even two seventeen-year-old girls act like excited five-year-olds when the prospect of meeting their favorite team is presented.
Now, speaking as a Caps fan, the one thing I have learned is that you can never expect the unexpected, I mean, who predicted their late season playoff run last year? Me, in November, but that’s beside the point. I went to Kettler today expecting to get Nick Backstrom’s autograph, but I went to Kettler today unsuspecting at how I would manage to do that.
I should start out by explaining that strange things always happen to me. I knew it was going to be an interesting day when I rode up the elevator with Tom Poti’s cousin. So when a woman walked up to me in the pro-shop, and asked if I worked there, I wasn’t surprised. But what did surprise me, was that when I told her no and turned around to say something to Mia, she was excited to see that the name on the back of my shirt was Backstrom. It got a little stranger when she asked to film the back of my shirt. My dad and Mia stood warily by the counter, watching me. When I turned around, the reporter smiled sweetly at me and told me she was from a Swedish news station, and could she ask me some questions.

“So what do you think of Backstrom?” she asked. I’m sure that because I am a teenage girl she was probably expecting my answer to be about his looks, but the hockey analyst in me came out. “I think he’s a great player. I really like the fact that he plays two ways, he plays good offense and I like that he recovers on defense. But the best part about his offense is that he makes amazing passes, but he scores too. He’s an all around good player.” I smiled to the camera, pleased with my answer.
“You know a little something about hockey now don’t you?” she laughed into the microphone. I was pretty pleased with myself. I can’t help it if hockey is in my genes. “But he’s cute too right?” she pressed. I blushed and gave in; admitting to Sweden that I thought their talented young center was incredibly cute.
The reporter was about to leave when the camera man pointed out what was in my hand. I showed them. It happened to be my art project from the previous year; I drew the verizon center using as many different patterns, shades of grey, and designs as I could muster—remarkably the two buildings look almost exactly alike. Of course, the drawing is always a conversation starter (it started a conversation in the elevator with Tom Poti’s cousin). The normal questions came up. Did you draw this? Is this the verizon center? Whose autographs do you have?
“Do you have Backstrom’s autograph on here?” the woman asked. Unfortunately I didn’t, but I explained that it was my goal for the day. I did not expect what she said next. “We are doing a segment on him, and we could probably get him to come out and sign this for you. Would you like that?” I almost fainted; of course I would LOVE that. She was unsure of the layout of Kettler, so I quickly pointed them in the direction of the media room, since that was where I was headed. They told me to wait near the gate, and they would see what they could do for me. Needless to say, I waited by the glass and watched Mia fire of picture after perfect picture (which I will try to upload a little later). Crowds began to form as players were brought out of the locker room to sign autographs. It was hard to make your way through the mob of people, much like at a concert, and I began to worry about my chances of actually meeting Backstrom. But, the camera man came around the corner of the media room and beckoned me in. Because the media room is all glass, various fans gave me the evil eye as I passed to the front, and eventually to the restricted area.
I couldn’t contain my excitement as I waited patiently with the camera man. They were bringing Nicklas Backstrom out to meet me! He came out and signed a few autographs before standing dutifully at the camera man’s side. He signed my drawing, and made pleasant small talk with a smile that was enough to make my heart melt. They filmed the whole thing, as he complimented me on my drawing and took a photo with me, in front of a hundred jealous fans.
I walked back out with the reporters, and stood there answering questions as they filmed their closing. The final picture of the segment was of me holding my drawing up as they panned across it, ending with his autograph. Then, with a hug and a kiss from both, the reporters disappeared just as quickly as they had appeared.
As a long time fan of the Capitals, today meant a lot to me—its moments like these that make everything worthwhile. I wish I would have thought to ask their names, and to see a final copy of the special, and thank them for picking me--of all people; but thank you reporters. I got to meet my favorite player, and it was something that I will always remember.