Photo: Brooks Laich
Former Capital Brooks Laich and wife Julianne Hough spent several days on safari in Africa several months ago and, shortly after getting married, decided to take another trip. Only this time, their experience was a bit different, as they visited, watched, and participated via Twitter on the Live television show SafariLIVE.
While visiting Kenya (Maasai Mara), Laich and Hough took a tour of one of two base camps of SafariLIVE, a live, interactive online African safari that is produced by the company WildEarth TV. Laich took to Twitter to thank WildEarth Operations Manager Stefan Winterboer and director Kirsten McLennan-Smith for the tour and hospitality. Just hours later, Laich tweeted a question to host James Hendry that was soon answered during the show which is currently airing specials every Friday at 11:00 PM EST on Nat Geo Wild.
Many thanks to Kirsten and Stefan of @WildEarth for the inside look at the production of #safariLIVE which airs every Friday on @natgeowild! pic.twitter.com/rhyro9JY3x
— Brooks Laich (@brookslaich) July 28, 2017
It’s go time show time!! #safariLIVE by @WildEarth on @natgeowild – can’t wait to see what you have in store for us tonight!!
— Brooks Laich (@brookslaich) July 29, 2017
What percentage of lion hunts end with a successful kill? #safariLIVE #missyouguys
— Brooks Laich (@brookslaich) July 29, 2017
Laich spent over a decade in a Capitals sweater before being traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs shortly before the trade deadline during the 2015-16 season in exchange for forward Daniel Winnik. He ranks eighth in franchise history in games played, ninth in shots, and was the longest-tenured member of the team prior to the trade. After spending less than half a season with the Maple Leafs and their AHL affiliate the Toronto Marlies, Laich is now an unrestricted free agent. In his Capitals career, he scored 133 goals and added 191 assists for 324 points in 742 games played. While Laich has continued to keep himself in playing condition, no teams seem to have inquired about his services, though the 34-year old Laich could offer teams a veteran presence and a checking-line role. In 21 games played with the Maple Leafs, Laich scored just one goal and seven points, with a minus-6 rating.
The second one is false! And thanks for the shout out James, much love my man! #safariLIVE
— Brooks Laich (@brookslaich) July 29, 2017
For those interested, SafariLIVE also broadcasts LIVE daily twice a day from both the Maasai Mara and Sabi Sand Game Reserve (part of the famous Kruger National Park) in South Africa. Viewers can interact with the guides through Twitter, asking questions throughout the drive. The current times of the drive are !2:30 AM EST for the morning drive and 9:00 AM EST for the afternoon drive. Those wishing to learn more about the show can visit the show’s Facebook page and can watch the drives here.
**As a longtime viewer of the show myself, it is very exciting to have one of my favorite hockey players as a viewer.**
By Michael Fleetwood