Green stays grounded despite rise to stardom

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By Corey Masisak

As Mike Green puts it, he "loves his gadgets."

Whether it is a new phone or computer, a new Cadillac Escalade complete with Washington Capitals-red rims or a fishing boat for his summers at home in Calgary, Green is enjoying life and reaping the benefits of his status as one of the best young defensemen in the NHL.

"I just got my new place [in Northern Virginia] and I realized I have a TV in every room, including the bathrooms," the 22-year-old said.

But despite all the new toys at Green's disposal, there was one thing he has done since signing a four-year, $21 million contract July 1 that is most important to him.

"I was able to pay off my mom and dad's house," he said.

Green fits the playboy-athlete mold, but that's not an accurate portrait of a kid who grew up in a tough Calgary neighborhood.

Many hockey players are sons of privilege, but Green is not among them. It's an expensive sport to play as a youth, that's why Green appreciates his parents' efforts.

"They had to sacrifice so much," Green said. "My parents had to work every day, but they made sure I was at the rink. They would sacrifice whatever they were doing, even if it was getting off work early to take me to the gym and waiting there the whole time.

"I remember my mom would wait outside in the van while I was in the gym for two hours. Then I'd go to hockey practice and then she'd cook me dinner. It was like that almost every day."

Members of the Caps organization have no worries about how Green will react to his newfound wealth because of his upbringing and grounded personality. Green's path to stardom began last season when he arrived at training camp in much better shape than the year before. He started to soar once Bruce Boudreau became coach.