Washington Capitals
On the day former Washington Capitals forward Devante Smith-Pelly attended the team’s practice at MedStar Capitals Iceplex ahead of their February 25 Celebrating Black History festivities, the Caps also welcomed a special visitor in the form of 1o-year old Keivonn Woodard.
Woodard, who is a local youth hockey player for the Bowie Bruins, is one of the team’s “Rising Stars”, a select group of youth black hockey players chosen for their leadership and trailblazing the way for future generations of black players in the sport. Not only does he play hockey, but he is deaf and starred in the HBO drama series “The Last of Us”.
What a pleasure to have one of DC’s Rising Stars on the ice and in Hollywood with us today at practice!
Keivonn Woodard, a 10-year-old deaf actor and youth hockey player, hails from Prince George County and most recently starred in the HBO drama “The Last Of Us.”#ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/VTmjWkS7Ge
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 24, 2023
Keivonn was able to show off the skills and presence that earned him a spot on the Rising Stars list, taking the ice with the team as well as spending time with Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin and meeting Devante Smith-Pelly.
Ovi and Keivonn meeting is the content we all need right now pic.twitter.com/FygyMKa5Z6
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 24, 2023
He also took time to teach the NHL’s second all-time leading goal-scorer some sign language as well.
MUST SEE-
Keivonn Woodard (A deaf hockey player) meets his idol Alexander Ovechkin. @7NewsDC pic.twitter.com/OnFEXEJUDb
— Olivia Garvey (@Olivia7News) February 24, 2023
Update: Keivonn met Ovechkin and taught him a little sign language. Ovechkin gave him a signed stick. pic.twitter.com/Em8L4KJo50
— Matt Weyrich (@ByMattWeyrich) February 24, 2023
A look at the shot from the rising young star:
This kid is…
*checks notes*
TEN YEARS OLD pic.twitter.com/hn7z2IB0fl
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) February 24, 2023
Hockey never ceases to tug at the heartstrings.
The Capitals take on the New York Rangers tomorrow at 1:00 ET.
By Michael Fleetwood
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More Reading:
Devante Smith-Pelly Visits Capitals Facility, Blueline Tweaks: Notes From Capitals Friday Practice
2018 Stanley Cup Hero Devante Smith-Pelly To Join Capitals For Black History Night on February 25: “I Think it’s Only Right to Help the Next Generation of Players…Be A Good Influence”