Rotherham: What The Washington Capitals Just Taught A Whole Generation Of Young Hockey Fans About Embracing Your Emotions — And Living In The Moment
Rotherham: What the Washington Capitals Just Taught a Whole Generation of Young Hockey Fans About Embracing Your Emotions — and Living in the Moment
If you’ve been out of touch with recent events, you’re probably unaware of the fact that the Washington Capitals achieved their first ever Stanley Cup victory last week. Unless you are a resident of Washington or a hockey enthusiast, you might have overlooked the extravagant celebrations that have followed ever since they lifted the cup on the Vegas ice that Thursday night.
Now, as the festivities continue into their fifth day, including a citywide parade, some are starting to criticize the team for not behaving like proper role models or for not acting as though they’ve been in this position before. However, these criticisms should be dismissed.
While it is true that the celebrations have not always been appropriate for all audiences, they can actually serve as a valuable lesson for children: don’t be overly self-conscious and don’t be afraid to express your emotions.
Throughout the playoffs, the Capitals’ captain, Alex Ovechkin, made no efforts to hide his feelings, whether they were happiness or frustration. And even after their victory, Ovechkin continued to display his emotions, refusing to adopt a detached and composed demeanor. Instead, he reveled in the achievement that had eluded him for so long. His teammates followed suit, choosing not to act like they had been in this situation before. In fact, it was evident that almost all of them were experiencing this for the first time.
The celebrations began with an all-night party in Vegas, followed by a celebration back in Arlington, Virginia, where the team practices. Then there was an eventful day in Washington D.C. where the Capitals were scheduled to make a brief appearance at an afternoon Washington Nationals baseball game. However, they ended up enjoying themselves for all nine innings, drinking beer, lifting the cup, and celebrating without reservation.
Afterwards, the Capitals were seen swimming in city fountains, doing keg stands (using the cup, naturally), partying at various late-night bars, getting tattoos, and there were numerous reports, both confirmed and unconfirmed, of them celebrating all around town.
It was an authentically wild celebration, something that is not commonly seen from professional athletes in public, especially alongside their fans, in the year 2018.
However, despite these circumstances, the fans absolutely loved it.
On one hand, it may not be the greatest example to set. On the other hand, it truly is. So, while it might be wise to shield younger children from the more irresponsible aspects of these celebrations, it’s still important to emphasize that this team is genuinely enjoying their victory, fully immersed in the moment, and not cynically detached from the whole spectacle. This is also something that is quite uncommon in the year 2018. Hence, why this boisterous celebration, with a few adjustments to make it suitable for all ages, can actually be seen as a refreshing and enlightening moment.
