from Chuck Gormley of CSNWashington,

It’s not every day religious beliefs are openly expressed in hockey locker rooms, but Pope Francis’ historic two-day visit to Washington may change that, at least for the next day or two.

With the leader of the Catholic church scheduled to make stops at the White House, the Basilica of the National Shrine, the Capitol and St. Patrick’s Catholic church, Capitals defenseman John Carlson said he’s anxious to hear what the pontiff has to say.

“It’s something I’ve never been around for; it’s cool to see,” said Carlson, a Catholic who was born in Marlborough, Mass., but moved to Colonia, N.J. as a child and attended St. Joseph in Metuchen, N.J. as a high school freshman.

“I think he’s awesome. I think his ideals are definitely a change of pace and I like what he does.”

continued