Capitals Corner Profile: Mikael Renberg

Joining us tonight in Capitals Corner is dynamic left winger Mikael Renberg. The 33-year-old forward is an experienced veteran with the Capitals and the team will rely on his offensive prowess to propel them to the playoffs again this season.

Renberg is a big player at 6-2 and 218 pounds, but he also has good speed and skating ability. He's also an excellent passer and puck handler. Mikael is very fit and has the endurance and durability to play lots of minutes. His experience and leadship will also be vital in developing some of the young players on the club. Last season Mikael scored 15 goals and dished out 38 assists with 53 hits and 24 PIMs in 78 games.

A native of Pitea, Sweden, Mikael, or "Micke" as he's known to his family and friends, grew up in a blue-collar middle class neighborhood. His father Bo was a professional soccer goalie and owned a gas station and garage. He often worked long hours while supporting his wife, Christina, and three children.

Mikael's had two sisters, Ingela and Jessica. Like Micke, Jessica loved sports and is a fine athlete in her won right playing both innebandy (floorball, a hockey-like game popular in some European countries) and soccer.

Renberg was never a prodigy growing up in hockey, but his somewhat above average natural abilities were always bolstered by his exceptional work ethic and intense will to succeed.

Come back next time when we take a look at another player in Capitals Corner.