Washington Capitals coach Barry Trotz gave everyone in his profession – and, for that matter, every hockey fan – a lesson in how to act after Sunday night's series-clinching win over Toronto.
Before taking any questions from the assembled media, Trotz went out of his way to congratulate Leafs President Brendan Shanahan, GM Lou Lamierello and coach Mike Babcock on their season.
“They pushed us and hardened us,” Trotz said, adding Toronto fans “have a lot to look forward to.”
Many in the press conference were quick to move onto questions they wanted to ask, but the respect he showed to his opponents after a hard fought series stood out.
Hockey can be one of the roughest and meanest sports to play, but from the post-game handshakes to being gracious after battle, hockey is a sport that we can learn a lot from.
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