Screencap: @Capitals
On Sunday, Washington Capitals forward Joe Snively spoke to the media following morning skate ahead of their tilt against the Los Angeles Kings at Capital One Arena (7 PM ET, NBC Sports Washington, ESPN+). The Herndon, Virginia, native discussed being recalled from the AHL’s Hershey Bears this morning and potentially making his NHL debut tonight.
Snively said he was “excited to get a chance to possibly play” after receiving the news. “I came from this area and I made it, so [kids from the DMV] can too..just try to set an example for them.”
His family, friends, and even some youth coaches will be in attendance tonight. Snively trained at MedStar Capitals Iceplex during his youth and was a participant in Washington’s Little Caps program.
He also noted his solid start in Hershey this season has “built confidence.” Snively has recorded 22 points (8g, 14a) in 21 games with the Bears and leads the team in points and tied for first in goals. The 25-year-old also scored a hat trick on November 7 in the team’s 5-3 win over the Springfield Thunderbirds.
Joe Snively completes the hat trick! #ALLCAPS #HBH pic.twitter.com/786iuBb6a6
— Jon Sorensen (@jon_m_sorensen) November 7, 2021
“It’s going to be thrilling [and] probably a little nervous…adrenaline will be pumping for sure,” he said on potentially making his debut. Snively explained he feels comfortable having already played preseason games for the Capitals.
Several of his teammates from Hershey are in the lineup and Snively said it’s “nice having some familiar faces and friends.” There is a lot of excitement and support among the younger players as they suit up for their first NHL game and pick up their first career points and goals.
“Maybe an NHL game is different than the AHL, but I’ll just try to stick to my strengths and try to help the team get a win if I’m in the lineup.
I came from this area and I made it, so [kids from the DMV] can too. Just try to set an example for them.”
Joe Snively shares his thoughts on being called up as a Virginia native and more after morning skate. #CapsKings | @MedStarHealth pic.twitter.com/d0rs5kO2vL
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 19, 2021
By Della Young
