Inside the Blogosphere: On Frozen Blog (part 2)

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 ninth installment: Elisabeth Meinecke of On Frozen Blog and DCist.

They say converts are the most fervent. I only count two major conversions in my life so far -- becoming Catholic and becoming a hockey fan -- but they're also two things that I'm passionate about. I guess, in the end, that passion is why I blog about hockey.

Some hockey players may cringe to hear me say this, but, at heart, the game has poetry in its soul. It contrasts moments of grace and finesse (have you seen the dexterity of someone like Alexander Semin handle the puck?) with a kind of raw power that's fascinating. Wimps don't play hockey -- or if they do, they get called out pretty quickly. There's a rhythm to the movement and a pattern, and then complete moments of unscripted excitement. Missing teeth aside, it's definitely a beautiful game, and that's why I'm attracted to it.

I'm a journalist, so writing about hockey is a perfect outlet. Blogging helps me be closer to a game I love, but it also helps the sport: it's an additional way for fans to get information; oftentimes blogs cover angles you won't find anywhere else.

For the kind of blogging I like to do, I think the interaction with staff, the PR team, and the athletes themselves is key. I may have my own opinion of what made head coach Bruce Boudreau decide to do something at a certain point of the game, but my decision or opinion is going to be a lot more informed if I get to ask for his explanation afterward.

While blogging is an education for me (and hopefully the written project is an education for fans, too), I also hope it's a healthy challenge for the players and coaches. I try to put a lot of time, research, and preparation into my questions for them and my coverage ideas. Sometimes, the questions flop, but other times, it's rewarding to know that the person you're interviewing has gotten enjoyment out of or been forced to really analyze something because of the conversation you've started.

And let's face it: the Capitals are fascinating. Having guys like Alexander Ovechkin, Mike Knuble, Brooks Laich, and Matt Bradley in the room is more than any journalist seeking good quotes could ask for (just ask HBO). In the end, it's a group of fascinating people to watch interact and strive for one of the most popular prizes on earth: the Stanley Cup.

And that's why I blog.