Christmas is finally here and one NHL goaltender might be celebrating a little differently from other players around the league.
If you look up the Washington Capitals’ roster, you might notice something significant about it. It has nothing to do with Alex Ovechkin. It has nothing to do with forward Nicklas Backstrom either. Heck, it doesn’t even involve goaltender Braden Holtby. It has to do with their backup actually, 26-year-old undrafted tendy Pheonix Copley.
And it has to do with where he was born.
If you’ve been keeping tabs on Copley this season, then you’ve probably noticed that he rocks two candy canes at the bottom of his mask. That’s because he’s from the North Pole… in Alaska. It’s not quite north enough, but it’s just outside of Fairbanks and actually has a Santa Claus house tourist attraction opened all year round, which has the look of any Christmas die-hard’s dream come true.
The city has a Christmas feel all-round too, according to Copley.
The following is an excerpt from the Washington Post:
“There’s definitely tourist stuff set up year-round for sure,” Copley said. “Our light poles are candy canes, so they definitely try and make it a theme. I think also people are lazy and just don’t want to take down Christmas lights.”
Sign us up for a roadie to the North Pole! Copley made sure to outline his passion for Christmas as well:
The following is an excerpt from the Washington Post:
“I’ve always really liked Christmas,” Copley said. “I always got really excited to get the Christmas music going and everything, but I don’t know if that’s just my personality or if it has anything to do with North Pole. My whole family enjoys Christmas, but it’s also a time that with hockey and everything, you get a break and get to spend time with family.”
If you’re looking for a unique trip in the next year, then look no further; the North Pole should be your next stop! In 12 games this season, Copley has a lights out 8-2-1 record with a .912 save percentage.
(H/T FTW)
