Doolittle thanks Holtby for his time in DC ‘on and off the ice’

Capitals

Doolittle thanks Holtby for his time in DC ‘on and off the ice’

In many ways, Braden Holtby and Sean Doolittle represented the same things in Washington, D.C., on and off their respective fields of play.

Both were expected to close out opposing offenses, both had stretches of doing so at a high level, both contributed to recent championships, both have been vocal advocates of social justice, and both could be leaving the nation’s capital this fall to join new teams.

Game recognize game, so after Holtby signed a two-year deal with the Vancouver Canucks on Friday, Doolittle took a moment to thank him for everything he accomplished during his 10-year run with the Capitals.

“Yoooo shout out to the legend @Holts170! For everything you did for DC – both on and off the ice – it was awesome to watch you work and share the District with you for a few years. Congrats on a great run with the Caps and good luck with the Canucks!” Doolittle said on Twitter.

Download and subscribe to the Capitals Talk Podcast

On the ice, Holtby was consistently one of the best goalies in hockey, a five-time All-Star and the 2015-16 Vezina Trophy winner. “The Save” in Game 2 of the 2018 Stanley Cup Final was the defining moment in his career, as the Caps went on to win the series and clinch their first title in franchise history. Off the ice, Holtby and wife Brandi were active in the D.C. community and vocal supporters of the LGBTQ community and Black Lives Matter movement.

Like the Holtbys, Doolittle and wife Eireann Dolan have been outspoken when it comes to social issues during their time in the nation’s capital. And soon, once the MLB season comes to a close and free agency opens, they could be on their way out, too. 

But as Holtby closes the door on his chapter in DC, a place he says will “hold that special place in my family’s heart,” it’s clear he has the respect and gratitude of someone who champions similar causes as himself.