Brooks Laich on 'Sweetheart' Julianne Hough: 'I'm a Pretty Lucky Guy'

Feb. 19, 2014 — -- Washington Capitals forward Brooks Laich opened up about his new romance today, saying "I'm a pretty lucky guy" to be dating Julianne Hough.

Laich, 30, told 106.7 The Fan that he's been dating the former "Dancing With the Stars" pro since December and that actor Teddy Sears set them up.

"On set, apparently, he was talking with Julianne ... and then asked her if she'd been seeing anyone, and she said no or whatever, and I guess he was watching our hockey game at the time," Laich said. "I guess he just showed her the iPad and said, 'Well I've got a guy for you.'"

Laich, who has been photographed holding hands with Hough recently, also talked about the new couple's first meeting.

Read: Why the Hockey Player Julianne Hough Has Been Holding Hands With Is Basically Perfect

"In December ... 'Jules' came out [to D.C.] with [Teddy and his wife] and I got to meet her at that point," he said.

Laich admitted he'd never seen her show before he met the "Rock of Ages" actress.

"But in my defense, she had never seen a Caps game either until she met Teddy," he said. "But she's a cool, cool gal. She's just a sweetheart, very loving, very giving. She puts so much great out into the world. I'm a pretty lucky guy."