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Winter Classic Helmet Pays Tribute To Washington Capitals Legend

By Cory Buck

Dec 22, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals goalie Braden Holtby (70) takes to the ice prior to the second period against the Ottawa Senators at Verizon Center. The Capitals won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals goalie Braden Holtby (70) takes to the ice prior to the second period against the Ottawa Senators at Verizon Center. The Capitals won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Braden Holtby revealed the helmet and pads he’ll wear on New Year’s Day when the Washington Capitals host the 2015 Winter Classic.

The Winter Classic isn’t just about putting a pro hockey game outside and making a bajillion dollars. Well, it’s mostly about that. But also it’s about paying tribute to the roots upon which the game of hockey grew.

For any Washington Capitals goaltender, respecting the past means respecting one major name from the 1990’s: Olaf Kolzig. That’s how starter Braden Holtby fashioned his own helmet in advance of the annual Winter Classic.

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The Washington Capitals will host the Chicago Blackhawks at Nationals Park on January 1st and Holtby continued the tradition of goaltenders looking old-school in advance of the game.

In this case, Holtby pays tribute to Olie the Goalie with Kolzig’s name and number on the back of the helmet, with a fierce Uncle Sam splayed across the fore. If that’s not cool enough for you, check out the rest of his equipment.

Kolzig was a regular starter for the Capitals from 1998-2008, leading the team to the 1998 Stanley Cup Finals, among other achievements. He is arguably the best goaltender in franchise history and to see a young buck like Holtby pay tribute to a franchise legend is a great sign in advance of one of the most anticipated games of the NHL season.

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