Inside the Press Box: Michelle Scalise

Storming the Crease is conducting a series of interviews with people who cover (or work for) the Caps and the NHL. You can find a link to the series archives on the right sidebar. Today's 28th installment: Caps in-game hostess and CSN New Media Content Producer Michelle Scalise.

1. How did become the Caps' in-game hostess?

Two years ago, I was working for a small sports marketing firm and we met with the new game entertainment director of the Capitals. He wanted to take the in-game experience to the next level and wanted to implement an "ice crew" and an in-arena hostess. My dream in college was to be a sports reporter but got on the production side and never really looked back!

I tried out against eight others and put together a whole package and was fortunate enough to get it! At first, I was murdered on the blogs, but I think over time I've tried to take some of the "cheese" out of it but still keep it entertaining. (At least I hope I have.) It's a great team to work with and the corporate crew is fantastic, as well. I'm very proud to be associated with them.

2. How do you expect your CSN gig to go (since you've only been there for a month) and where were you before this?

It really an exciting position to be in. Our digital media division is brand new. I'm working with three other content producers and each of us are responsible for our separate teams, but we also work hand-in-hand on some projects. It's a clean slate so it's really interesting trying new things out and seeing what attracts people and what they respond to.

I think hockey has previously been a male audience, but as I witness at the games and with the new Scarlet Caps club, there's a whole untapped market. So, I'm hoping to find a formula that works really well. This will always be a "Redskins town" but it is exciting to watch the fan base grow with the Caps. We're trying innovative things like the interactive chats, the athlete blogs, the Caps off-the-ice features, etc. We're really at the tip of the iceberg and plan on expanding our coverage and team.

I've been a freelance producer for CBS News, the IRS and Fox News; trying to find my niche! Before moving to D.C., I lived in NYC for about six years and worked at CBS Sports. I was very lucky to be a part of many Final Fours, Masters and Super Bowls. I've been trying to find my "CBS Sports" experience in DC!


3. What's your relationship with the Red Rockers (both on and off the ice, so to speak)?

They're an amazing group of girls. They're very sweet and supportive and we definitely have fun together. I've worked with a lot of them last year and over the summer at the Washington Kastles, so we've definitely built a relationship. Occasionally, we'll go out for a drink after the games.

4. What are some of your favorite hockey-related memories?

I have to say watching the arena last year for the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. It's truly a sea of red. The crowd was so boisterous and excited and the players have said that helps pump them up, too. Watching Alex Ovechkin is always mind boggling. When I watch him, I feel like I'm watching history being made. It's been great getting to know the guys on the team and watch their development on the ice.

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

Ha, ha! There isn't much down time. I feel very lucky to finally find something I'm passionate about here in DC, so I tend to throw myself into work. I did get married this past summer and had a blast planning the wedding. My husband and I love taking our dog for hikes in Great Falls Park and watching football.

I'm a big runner so I love finding new trails. We travel a lot, visiting my parents in NJ or friends in NYC. Our latest venture is house hunting so I have no doubt we'll be spending a lot of time running in and out of open houses, searching online; all that fun stuff!