Kolzig's Cap Career Comes to an End

[SmootSmack]

Olie Kolzig, the Washington Capitals goaltender through some of the best and worst moments in the team's history, confirmed yesterday what had been suspected for weeks: He has played his final game for the franchise that drafted him in 1989.

washingtonpost.com

[That Guy]

i'd say too bad, and it sucks that he gave his best years to a crappy team and then he wasn't good enough when they finally got it together, but....

that's life :/.

[mooby]

Yeah, that really sucks and I'm disappointed in the way his tenure here ended as well. He wasn't anywhere as dominant this season as in years past but I wish we had been able to go and get a championship for him.

And yeah That Guy it hurts that his best years with the team we weren't any good at all, and then when we finally get good it's too late for him. I hope he can latch on somewhere else though and get a shot at the championship next season, preferably in the West.

[skinsfan_nn]

For sure to say the least an end of an era in DC hockey. I would have liked to see Olies last year as a Cap finish better, but as the sports world goes there is always someone in the wings just a waiting to take your job. And Olie had a drop off this season, not all his fault some has to be put on the D. But you are judged on wins and losses. Then Huet was brought in at the trade deadline, it appeared the writing was on the wall for Olie.

All in all moving forward first off I wish Olie nothing but the very best whether he continues on which he wants to, I hope there is a market for him. I would have loved to seen him finish his last little bit of time left in the sport right here in DC or whether he does just decide to put his feet up by the pool with a cold one. He will be missed!

Secondly, I hope they get a deal done with Huet. As we need a starter and it sure isn't Johnson. I would have preferred keeping Olie over Johnson, but thats just my opinion.

Thanks for the memories Olie, I remember the Caps playing to hoist the Stanley Cup in 1998 against Detroit like it was yesterday, not the outcome I was looking for but Olie has done so much for the franchise on and off the ice. 100% class act wish you the very best, happy trails!

Posted at 8:58 AM ET, 05/ 9/2008
End of an Era (Updated)

I'm sure you've heard by now that Olie Kolzig has decided not to return to the Caps next season after nearly two decades with the organization. If you haven't, read about it here.

There's really not much more I can add to the story - all of his best quotes are in today's article. He's disappointed with the way things ended. (I'm sure lots of other folks are, too). But I got the sense during the interview that he's at peace with an extremely difficult decision and is looking forward to the next chapter in his career/life.

Update:I'm told that Comcast SportsNet's Jill Sorenson spoke to Kolzig this morning and parts of the emotional interview will shown on Washington Post Live this afternoon. I'll also be in studio with Al Koken to discuss Kolzig's decision.

[DieHardSkinsFan777]

Originally Posted by skinsfan_nn

For sure to say the least an end of an era in DC hockey. I would have liked to see Olies last year as a Cap finish better, but as the sports world goes there is always someone in the wings just a waiting to take your job. And Olie had a drop off this season, not all his fault some has to be put on the D. But you are judged on wins and losses. Then Huet was brought in at the trade deadline, it appeared the writing was on the wall for Olie.

All in all moving forward first off I wish Olie nothing but the very best whether he continues on which he wants to, I hope there is a market for him. I would have loved to seen him finish his last little bit of time left in the sport right here in DC or whether he does just decide to put his feet up by the pool with a cold one. He will be missed!

Secondly, I hope they get a deal done with Huet. As we need a starter and it sure isn't Johnson. I would have preferred keeping Olie over Johnson, but thats just my opinion.

Thanks for the memories Olie, I remember the Caps playing to hoist the Stanley Cup in 1998 against Detroit like it was yesterday, not the outcome I was looking for but Olie has done so much for the franchise on and off the ice. 100% class act wish you the very best, happy trails!

Posted at 8:58 AM ET, 05/ 9/2008
End of an Era (Updated)

I'm sure you've heard by now that Olie Kolzig has decided not to return to the Caps next season after nearly two decades with the organization. If you haven't, read about it here.

There's really not much more I can add to the story - all of his best quotes are in today's article. He's disappointed with the way things ended. (I'm sure lots of other folks are, too). But I got the sense during the interview that he's at peace with an extremely difficult decision and is looking forward to the next chapter in his career/life.

Update:I'm told that Comcast SportsNet's Jill Sorenson spoke to Kolzig this morning and parts of the emotional interview will shown on Washington Post Live this afternoon. I'll also be in studio with Al Koken to discuss Kolzig's decision.

Nice post. I would have liked to have also seen Olie finish his career right here with the capitals it would have only been fitting for a great goalie who has been the face of the team for almost two decades. Thinking back at all he went through with this organization even in the early 2000's when they started the rebuilding process dumping Jagr, Witt, Bondra & Co. I though then Olie might have been traded even though he wanted to stay with the capitals he always wanted to finish his career here with the capitals.

He has been a true capital in every since of the word from day one when when he was brought up from the Admirals. I wish him the very best in whatever he decides to do retire or keep on keeping the net safe. As long as hes not playing the capitals.

Thanks for the memories Olie and good luck with your future.