The Capitals winger discusses his career and evolution.
ARLINGTON, V.A. — Washington Capitals forward Brandon Duhaime didn't necessarily want to be a tough guy when he was growing up.
"I wanted to be Alex Ovechkin," he grinned. "Scoring goals, but I doesn't always work."
The 6-foot-2, 200-pound winger, though, was meant to be a gritty player at the highest level. It's a role that Duhaime plays well, as he throws his weight around, battles hard on the forecheck and instills fears in his opponents. He's also a key penalty killer.
Through 55 games this season, Duhaime ranks second on the team with 111 hits and also has 43 blocks, along with six goals and seven assists as he plays a key role on the powerhouse fourth line.
But how did he become a force to be reckoned with? For Duhaime, the evolution into a "tough customer" began as he started to establish an identity in his game growing up.
"I kind of developed a little bit of grit and a little bit of speed in my game and playing that hard-checking game," Duhaime explained. "I think that kind of developed in juniors, and then kept it the same way throughout college."
What does it take to be a tough guy at the highest level, though?
The 27-year-old, who hails from Florida, said that a lot of it comes from the willingness to work and compete shift after shift.
"Just having some brass, a little grit to yourself and just being able to compete every night," Duhaime explained. "You know, you work off that, I think."
Off the ice, Duhaime's a beloved presence in the locker room, known for his trademark barking. The tradition comes from his teammates, who say he "has that dog in him" given his high compete level night after night.
As he continues his career and establishes himself in D.C., Duhaime has not just become a force to be reckoned with, but he has also stressed the importance of "doing it the right way."
"(That means playing) just a hard, honest game," Duhaime explained.
