As the Capitals make international headlines by signing free agents, local hockey players and fans are just as interested in the future of D.C. native Stephen Werner. The first locally born player ever drafted to the NHL, Werner played with the Washington Little Capitals until he made the unlikely move to playing at UMass. Now, as he rises up through the minor league ranks, Werner’s struggle to play a game from the Canadian tundra at the highest level represents, for so many in the area, our own impossible dreams.

These last couple weeks have been rough on us, as the Caps and Werner have not yet agreed on a contract for the coming season. Over the two years of his entry level contract, Werner made great strides in his development as a player and thoroughly adjusted to the professional game. We were lucky enough to catch up with him for a few quick questions about his story so far and his hopes for the future.

Growing up around D.C., what did it take to get noticed by and drafted to the National Hockey League?

For me, it took going to the National USA Hockey festivals and playing against the best players across the country to get noticed. I was fortunate enough to make the U.S. under 17 team, which allowed me to play internationally, and then at the collegiate level. I got drafted after my freshman year at UMass.

That was in 2003. No one from the D.C. area had ever been drafted before, and the Capitals picked you in the third round. How did it feel?

I was really excited. I wanted the Caps to draft me and I figured that I would be going in either the 3rd or the 4th round, so it was just perfect. That was one of the best days of my life.