The Stanley Cup has certainly made its rounds since the Washington Capitals won their first NHL title in franchise history in early June. But, perhaps the trophy’s most important pit-stop came on Tuesday morning, when assistant equipment manager Craig “Woody” Leidig brought it by the Capital Gazette.

Tradition holds that each person on the Stanley Cup winner’s team gets a full day with the trophy. Knowing that the Capital Gazette, which lost five employees in a deadly shooting last week, needed a little uplifting, Leidig knew he had to swing by the newspaper’s temporary office in Annapolis.

“When you get a day with it, sometimes I think it’s just good to do some good with it, boost some morale and bring up some spirits,” Leidig said as he held back tears. “I know it doesn’t replace the victims, but hopefully this is a shot in the arm for people to start a little healing process to make you guys feel good.”

On the day of the shooting, Bill Wagner, a sports reporter for the Capital Gazette, interviewed Leidig in the team’s locker room for a story. Shortly after Wagner left, and as Leidig was doing laundry with trainers, he saw the breaking news report about the shooting and was very concerned that Wagner was in the building.

Thankfully, Wagner was not, but from that moment on, Leidig knew what he needed to do on his day with the Stanley Cup. And, it meant the world to the staff, according to Wagner.

“Well, I can tell you it means a lot,” a choked up Wagner told Leidig. “As you can see, this is the first time a lot of these people have smiled in a while because it’s been hard to smile, but you brought a smile to our faces. Thanks.”

 

 

Leidig was at the office for 45 minutes before bringing the Cup by the U.S. Naval Academy.

What a move by a guy whose behind-the-scenes actions help lead to incredible moments — a championship victory and, today, smiles in a place filled with heavy grief.