Six weeks after Caps public address announcer Wes Johnson had a medical emergency and was found unresponsive in a hotel room in Atlanta, he returned to the microphone at Capital One Arena.
“I’m pumped. I’m excited. I don’t have the words,” Johnson said. “It feels like I was just here, and it feels like I’ve been gone a million years.”
Before his return to his booth, Johnson watched the games at home and some in the stands. Two days before his return, Johnson did a trial run with doing pre-game ad readings before warmups.
“It was like like coming home again,” Johnson said. “…We’re in our home. In our booth. In our little hideaway ready to unleash. I’ve had it pent up for a while. I’m ready to roll.”
Johnson, who has been the Caps’ public address announcer for 25 years, was showered with love from Caps fans and the organization. A GoFundMe, which Johnson said started as a way to help pay for funeral expenses, was shared on social media. Capitals owner Ted Leonsis made a $25,000 donation. Johnson added that the Capitals organization also sent flowers to his house.
“To be able to be here and feel the love of this community and this team and my friends My family. I’m blessed,” said an emotional Johnson. “I can’t wait to just be me again and rip the roof off this place.”
Before returning to the booth, Johnson took in some games from the comfort of his own home and the stands. Johnson said he would send notes to Byron Hudtloff, who filled in for Johnson about how good he sounded.
“The entire Capitals organization made me feel the whole time like I was still a part of everything,” said Johnson.
Johnson wanted to give a special thanks to the Alzheimer’s Association, whose event he was supposed to be at in Atlanta for the support they provided. Johnson said they helped get hotel rooms for his family and made sure someone was with him in his hospital room. Johnson said it wasn’t expected for him to pull out of his coma, much less at 100%.
But he’s back and he is read for the stretch run. Johnson is returning for the Capitals stretch run and ready to call Alex Ovechkin’s 1600th NHL point and of course, goal number 895.
“I know how Lou Gehrig feels,” Johnson said, “I feel like the luckiest man in the world.”
