Ego
Alter
by JOSH APPLE
Virginia club GM fulfills dream as
Washington Capitals Emergency
Backup Goalie
O
n a magical July evening, one of the most iconic
trophies in sports made an hour-long appear-
ance at Raspberry Falls Golf & Hunt Club.
The Stanley Cup glistened in the clubhouse as
supporters of the Washington Capitals gathered around it
with absolute euphoria.
Ever since the Caps charged through the playoffs in the
spring, the entire D.C. region has rallied behind the squad like
never before. When that final horn sounded and the team proudly
paraded the Cup across the ice for the first time in franchise history, fans
of the organization felt like they were part of something historic.
For one individual, being a part of the triumph was more literal. Willy Lutz, the
General Manager of Raspberry Falls in Leesburg, contributed in a manner that
should only be true in one’s wildest dreams.
The 42-year-old, who has been employed in the golf industry since 1999, is one
of four “emergency backup” goalies for the Capitals, a secretive position that has
developed the nickname “EBUG.”
“My first year as an emergency backup goalie and they won the Cup,” Lutz said.
“It’s neat to have even a small association on such a cool year.”
LIFELONG PASSION
The lifelong goalie played in recreational leagues from his youth through high
school, growing up in hockey-obsessed New Hampshire. He has also been the
goaltender in a beer league for the Ashburn Ale during the last 12 years, a team
comprised of PGA professionals.
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