Inside the Blogosphere: Musings of a Hockey Mom

As a follow-up to the popular Inside the Press Box series, STC is asking (mostly) local bloggers about why they do what they do. Today's seventh installment: Leslie Silvey of Musings of a Hockey Mom.

I became an avid Capitals fan after I watched the team practice at my sons' rink one day and was instantly hooked by the speed and intensity of the game. As my twin boys learned the game and progressed to the next level, I earned an even greater appreciation for the immense skill, dedication and work ethic it takes to excel at the professional level.

I have always been a huge sports fan and, after college, dreamed of being a sports journalist. But family commitments took me on a different path and Musings of a Hockey Mom has given me an amazing outlet to combine my love of hockey and writing.

In addition to being a working mom of teenage travel hockey players, I dedicate countless hours of my time to following the Caps. Inspired by DC Sports Chick (who now writes for On Frozen Blog), I started my own blog after the loss in the 2008 playoff series as a way to express my feelings. From there, I found that combining my experiences as a youth hockey mom with my passion for the Capitals went together like peanut butter and jelly.

It is well known that Caps owner Ted Leonsis has been a huge supporter of new media coverage of the team and he was one of the first to recognize Musings of a Hockey Mom. His enthusiasm in welcoming bloggers into the press box is also seen in the extraordinary efforts of the team's PR staff.

I started covering games from the Capitals press box in 2008-2009 and last season was granted full-season media credentials. One of the things I’ve noticed covering the team from this angle is that the Capitals are some of the most accessible and down-to-earth athletes you'll ever come across. In this day and age with so much negative press given to professional sports, I, as a mother, find it refreshing to have these role models for my kids (along with the throngs of other kids who follow the sport).

One of the first players I ever interviewed was Donald Brashear and he was more than happy to share his experiences as a youth hockey player -- even hinting that kids in hockey consider taking figure skating lessons to improve their technique! I also like to focus on the great things the team does in the community -- especially as they relate to helping and teaching children.

Although I follow a lot of hockey news, my blog isn't super heavy on stats and the like. I tend to exhibit a bit a snark in some of my opinion and game reviews and one of my readers once referred to me as "the Erma Bombeck of Caps hockey." So I like to think I provide somewhat of a unique, female perspective on the game.

I’ve had the chance to meet some phenomenal writers and media folks during my time in the press box, from both mainstream and new media outlets. I am thankful to be included in such a fantastic group of sports writers, many who have become great friends, and I am looking forward to another exciting year for the Capitals!