First and foremost, thank you. Also, I hate you. My obsession with the Washington Capitals is growing and it’s fueled by your parallel obsession with them too.

In high school, I sort of paid attention to hockey. I watched an occasional Red Wings game and we went to our team’s high school games and cheered them on and I understood it all and it was all fun and entertaining. But I stuck to my guns about being primarily a basketball family and fan.

This year, you started sending me pictures of André Burakovsky and the roomies Michael Latta and Tom Wilson. I had no idea what or who you were talking about half the time, but I went along with it. Until I had to hop on board because I was getting sick of being out of the loop with you and your Caps.

Up North, you had the waiter turn on the Caps game for us to watch. It was entertaining, and I liked the fast pace of the game. Between periods, you told me about the players, and their numbers and nicknames, which led to you quizzing me on them. Thank you: I now have all the boys’ names memorized along with their number, position, previous NHL stats, nationality, and who rooms with who (Two Canadians and a Swede #CapsRoomiesForever).

Since that weekend of Caps Quizzes, I have become possessed by everything Caps. I watch their Snapchat story daily. I follow the players on social media. I record and watch, or listen to every game. I watch NHL updates and interviews on them. The sound of sticks and skates on the ice is now comforting to me.

The best (and kind of worst) part about it, is that I get to share my crazy love for the team with you. We feed off each other’s obsession and I love it. Basically, all we talk about every day is Caps. Also Swedes. We love Swedes (Herregud, vi har fortfarande att göra semla!).

Also, thank you so much for the pucks. They're my lucky game pucks and I will cherish them forever.

The other day you said to me, “I need a hobby,” to which I replied, “Well, Caps were our hobby, but now it’s an obsession.” It’s beyond true. I’m basically a Washington Capitals stalker with a slightly stronger interest in Burkie, Tom Wilson (especially) and Michael Latta and the relationship they have. Papa (Nick Backstrom), Batya (Brooks Orpik), Braden (and Brandi) Holtby, Puppy (Jay Beagle) are equally important. Also, let’s never ever forget Alex Ovechkin wearing sweatpants over jeans and then receiving DC Modern Luxury Magazine’s cover photo and named one of the magazine’s Men of Style.

Anyone that wants to call us clueless girls and/or bandwagon fans can hop on their own wagon and excuse themselves from our interests.
Also, you and I both are still Red Wings fans in case anyone was wondering.

Thanks for being the reason behind my Caps obsession and helping keep it alive. Love you lots. #RockTheRed