I haven’t really considered the fashion sense of the guys that make up the other 29 teams.  And, frankly, I can’t be bothered.  All’s I know is that we got something special goin’ on here in Caps country.

Its well known that our uniquely gifted and ebullient Alex Ovechkin launched his own line of streetwear a month ago as part of his overall endorsement deal with Reebok-CCM.

And we fondly remember his Awards Show outfit.

photo by Getty Images

photo by Getty Images

That tux was slammin’.

Add to that Mike Green’s faux-hawk and Bäckström’s sensational hockey hair.

And our new netminder Théodore has apparently kept some fashion-conscious company in his day.

And now we learn, from some of our local media on the scene at dev camp yesterday, that the affable Karl Alzner designs some of his own clothes.  This isn’t news to those who have followed the rising defensive star.

But it adds another arrow in the quiver, another exhibit of evidence toward proclaiming our Nation’s Capitals as the team with the most verve, mojo, joie de vivre, ready to rock the red, and any other color they damn well want, all year long. 

And we don’t need Sean Avery to get there. 

So far Karl’s just been making some hats and shirts and adding other embellishments.  As for design, he’s revealed simply that he’s into things “out of the ordinary, stuff with a skull on it.” 

Skulls, eh?  Well, it may not be his playing style to go head-hunting, seek-and-destroy in the open ice.  Instead, we’ll carry the theme to say that he’ll outwit his opponents, wear them down mentally.  Gently crush their spirit.

Apparently, Karl’s long had a rep, from his Hitmen days, of being a connoisseur of fine clothing, “threads guys like Don Cherry and Jeremy Roenick can appreciate.”  (But don’t say he looks like a clown!)  He also once owned up to wearing ankle socks with a suit (which is unquestionably appropriate for July weather in the Nation’s Capital).

In short, Al likes to roll in style.  And for that alone, he’ll fit in just fine with #8 and crew.

And for a guy who loves him some fine outfits, he still packs light.  Discussing a trip last year to the Czech Republic:

I’m only going to take over one suit.  But I’ve got a bunch of shirts and ties — maybe six or seven — but last year, I only wore one suit and tie because I was really superstitious.

That’s a man after my own heart.  Mixing and matching ties and shirts is more fun, besides, than hauling around multiple suits.  Well, unless you’re Don Cherry.

And we can’t, in all of this discussion, fail to mention the wardrobe of our inestimable coach:

photo by Jim McIsaac (Getty Images)

photo by Jim McIsaac (Getty Images)

From an interview with Coach Bruce shortly after he was hired as Caps head coach:  

Q: How about your ties and suits? Some folks crack jokes.
A: I don’t want to be this. I’m trying so hard not to be the Oscar Madison of coaching. But it’s a reputation I’ve had since I was 17 years old. I’ve tried hard to change. But I am who I am. I think I have really nice suits.

Indeed, Coach.  Wear what feels right.  Go with your gut.  Yeah.

All this, of course, has nothing to do with the play on the ice.  But it sure is fun as a fan to follow a team made up of a bunch of dudes with swagger and attitude.  Who look good both on the ice, and at the victory party.  The latter someday soon.