Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonsis celebrates with Stanley Cup for first time
WASHINGTON - Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonsis got to put his hands on the Stanley Cup for the very first time on Saturday -- and he shared it with some DC first responders.
Leonsis' personal celebration with the cup took place at a DC Fire House right across the street from the Capital One Arena Saturday morning.
Leonsis said he wanted to wait to embrace the championship trophy as he stood in front of the people who worked so hard to keep fans safe and the city running smoothly.
FOX 5's Matt Ackland was the only reporter invited to the special event.
Leonsis, who walked in like a star player himself was welcomed with cheers for fulfilling a promise to one day bring the cup to DC.
But Leonsis, his own cheers were for the others in the room. First responders and D.C. workers - who handled these crowds and then cleanup up after.
"I cant think everybody enough for keeping us safe and the all the work done here for all of the people of Washington, DC," he said.
Few knew this was the first time Leonsis had embraced the Cup. Leonsis said he had been waiting, and didn't want to put bad luck on the team.
"It's a superstition you're not supposed to allowed to touch the Stanley Cup. I wanted this to be kindof 'real leaders eat last' if you will and I waited on the ice to be able to touch it and bring it over and it's been in DC now. I said the first time I want to get my picture taken with it and pose for it is kicking off with the fire department right across the street from Capitol One Arena."
Leonsis is hoping for a huge turnout for the big parade next week, saying he'd love a million fans to show up.
"I would think that coming down Constitution Avenue and going to see our mayor and everyone's been so supportive in Washington, DC and then going to the Mall, the nation's mall, we want to be the best that we can be."
Leonsis says he feels like his living a dream as he proudly poses for pictures. He took a group photo with the firemen, as well as DC police and Chief Peter Newsham.
"I just knew this was our year and we would punch through, and I'm planning on what we should do to celebrate, and in the think of what we're doing next year to do it again."
The District says it'll be ready to handle massive crowds on Tuesday.