Inside the Press Box: Carrie Milbank

Storming the Crease is conducting a series of interviews with people who cover (or work for) the Caps and the NHL. You can find the complete log on the right sidebar. Today's eighteenth installment: NHL.com's Carrie Milbank.

1. What first brought you to "The Hockey Show" and the NHL Network?

Well I grew up in Texas, aka Football Country, so I was pretty much brought up as a closet hockey fan. When I found out about the opportunity to work with the NHL I was all over it. Lucky for me, the feeling was mutual.

2. What was the inspiration behind your great series of commercials for NHL.com?

The "On The Road With Carrie Milbank" commercials weren't my idea but I fell in love with the script immediately because I thought it was clever and funny -- the type of commercial I would actually enjoy watching. The whole idea is that NHL.com appeals to all types of hockey people from a coach, to an announcer, to parents of players -- and fans, of course. And I can't forget to mention the BEST part of NHL.com: "The Hockey Show!"

3. Where does hockey rank among all of your endeavors?

I eat, sleep, and breathe hockey and that's STILL not enough time to discover all of its nuances, but that's the beauty of the job and hey, someone's gotta do it.

4. What's your favorite hockey-related memory or memories?

I haven't even been hosting "The Hockey Show" for a year yet and I already have way too many to mention! I wish I had more opportunities to talk with the players because my favorite thing to do is learn more about them. They're so interesting and real, and I like to hear what they have to say about things other than hockey. Of course, most of the time I end up becoming a fan of all the guys which makes it tough to decide who to root for. I also still get the chills every time I'm near the Stanley Cup, so that ranks right up at the top of the list too.

5. What occupies your time when you're not working?

I wish I had something more exciting to say but when I'm not working, I really looooooove to sleep. Actually, I do a lot of traveling too and I get really excited about staying in hotels. I have an entire basket full of hotel soaps and lotions from all over the world. OK, that probably sounds weird but I also have a tradition where I pick up a unique or funky ring everywhere I go, so if I have a daughter someday I can pass down a nice little collection to her.