Comments on: Olie Kolzig is a Fan-favorite for a Reason

By: Maryalice

Maryalice — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 10:40:36 +0000

I’ve been an Olie the Goalie fan since he played backup to Jim Carey in the shortened 1994-95 season. He is truly the greatest! I have worn his shirt now for many years, and even though it’s a white one, I proudly wear it to Rock the Red because it’s for him. It would be an honor to watch 37 being raised to the rafters in the Verizon Center.

By: Tim

Tim — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 05:29:45 +0000

I loved Olie for the whole time he was here, and I was sad to see him go. I was at the game when he started here for TB, and I have never seen any player (not even a current Cap) get so many standing ovations. He was, and still is, a class act, and deserves to have his number retired. It would be awesome if he would take a position with the Caps or in their system.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 00:15:54 +0000

Wow, what moving stories. I’m teary-eyed (and not because Briere just scored) and so happy the Caps and Olie let the past go because his appearance at the Convention was a highlight for many of us.

By: kmr2r

kmr2r — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 21:06:53 +0000

I wanted to marry him too,, but someone got there first! I do remember fondly the days in college of trying to meet him though,, There was a lot skulking about with no luck…it seems easier now to get autographs than it was then, but maybe it was then I had a no car, no internet to speak of, and no money to go to games/Kettler like I do now to get autographs (the marriage thing is checked off already !
One of my students still remembers Olie reading to him when he was in elementary school.. he still loves him too, but not just because he played hockey.. I am glad he is back!

By: Anastasia

Anastasia — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 20:49:37 +0000

I see so much of MacKenzie in me and I’m twice her age (I’m 20). I became a fan sometime shortly after the Caps 1998 Stanley Cup playoff run and I chose as my favourite player, Olie the Goalie. You have no idea how much this man has influenced my life, I play hockey because of him, I wear his number, and I’m studying to be a TR so I can help children with Autism. But yes in my young years, I would also go around wondering if Olie would marry me. I had his bobblehead and always ask the question “Olie do you like me?” and he would always nod, lol. So MacKenzie and I could totally hang out. And I’m glad he remembers her that’s adorable. I’m always questioning whether he remembers me, because I don’t think you have too many fans who hyperventilate and cry over you… yes i have cried in front of Olie. I’ve met him twice, and the 2nd time I full out cried in front of him, but he was very gracious about it, asking why I was crying, me trying to spit out, “Your my hero and I’m your biggest fan.” I was also disappointed when Olie left for Tampa, and I was even more devestated when he retired on my birthday, aka Sept 23rd. I knew it was a sign somehow, lol, make of it what you will. But yes Olie is a class act, and will always be my hero and favourite Caps player until I die. The card he signed sits in my purse and goes everywhere with me. He signed a bear for me as well, and i take it practically everywhere with me, yup even took him to England! Olie we miss you and we love you!
MacKenzie and Staci thanks for this story its adorable, and despite being a big kid at heart and being 20, I felt 11 again after reading this!

By: Staci

Staci — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 20:29:12 +0000

Thanks Peter and Ian for doing this story. MacKenzie is thrilled to death to see it here! I have also loved reading everyone’s comments and personal experiences that they have had with him. It seems you could fill a book with everyone’s positive stories on Godzilla. There are not enough words to express what a PHENOMENAL person he is. Olie definately is a man with a heart of gold, true values and morals and one who provides inspiration.

By: Robert J Ternes

Robert J Ternes — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 19:46:25 +0000

Have tried for years to have Peter Bondra sign my #12 jersey and a highlight of the convention was achieving that goal. He was generous and personable and seems every bit as great a person as he was a player but the best news of the convention was Olie’s return, especially after (from a fans perspective) his departure was so uncomfortable. While his number needs to be in the rafters soon (as does Bondra’s). The rafters aren’t nearly as high as my, and I think most fans, esteem for them both as players and as people. Last year at games I often sent this text, “Olie we miss you come home soon”. We are all grateful that he did. Thanks again Olie!!! and Bondra too, it was great seeing them home and on the stage together.

By: Lex

Lex — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 18:09:47 +0000

What an all around great guy. As I waited to take my picture with Olie I watched him help two elderly females on and off the stage and got on his knees to pose with a few girls. True gentleman!!

By: Peter

Peter — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 18:05:30 +0000

Bernie, wow. Thanks for sharing that. Very cool. Washington has a history of goalies that are very charity-oriented. I hope Varls and Neuvi continue that!

By: Lisa McGrath

Lisa McGrath — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 17:59:29 +0000

I too paid to have my picture taken with Olie at the convention. He was his awesome, gracious classy self getting on his knees to pose with 2 adorable little girls in front of me. At my turn I walked up in my #37 jersey and said we missed him. His response? “I miss you too. I really loved it here.” LOVE. HIM. And even though they weren’t supposed to, he also signed my jersey. He’s the BEST.