Tom Wilson didn't play in the Capitals' win over Columbus, but he had a familiar face supporting him in the stands.
Tom Wilson wasn't in the lineup as the Washington Capitals took the ice against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday, but a familiar face was waiting for him in the stands: his high school lunch lady Donna.
The 29-year-old didn't travel for Thursday's game against the Blue Jackets, getting the night off with a handful of other regulars as the Capitals' fringe players continue to push for a roster spot. However, that didn't stop No. 43 from acknowledging the gesture.
Washington posted a picture of "Lunch Lady Donna" on Instagram as part of the photo recap of the 4-2 victory over Columbus, and Wilson immediately recognized her and acknowledged her in the comments.
"Donna the goat! Sorry I missed ya!" he wrote on Instagram.
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The Ontario native attended Plymouth High School in Michigan after being drafted by the OHL's Plymouth Whalers, who had their sights set on Wilson because of his 6-foot-4 frame and gritty, physical playing style. His standout play in the OHL led to him being taken 16th overall by D.C. in the 2012 NHL Draft.
Wilson has been one of the Capitals' strongest players in camp so far, showing that his ACL injury is long behind him and that he's ready to build on his game that has continued to grow over the last two seasons. He also signed a seven-year extension in August to remain in the District and is more than likely to be the next captain.
And somewhere along the way, he'll hopefully cross paths with "Lunch Lady Donna" again.