Capitals Announce Initiatives Celebrating Black History in February

ARLINGTON, VA - The Washington Capitals announced today initiatives taking place in February in celebration of Black History. Initiatives are planned throughout the month to honor the organization's history, celebrate Black achievement in hockey and highlight how the Capitals are working to further grow the game in the region. Plans in February include:

Black History Day Presented by Capital One
Featuring Ceremonial Puck Drop by Capitals alumnus Devante Smith-Pelly
The Capitals will host Black History Day presented by Capital One on Feb. 25 vs. the New York Rangers, featuring a ceremonial puck drop by Capitals alumnus Devante Smith-Pelly. During warmups, players will wear special Celebrating Black History warmup jerseys designed by Robert Generette III, also known as Zilla, that will be signed and auctioned off to benefit the Capitals Capital Impact Fund. Additional information on Black History Night activities will be announced the week of Feb. 20.
Smith-Pelly, an eight-year NHL veteran and 2018 Stanley Cup champion, announced his retirement from professional hockey on December 30. Drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in the second round, 42nd overall, in the 2010 NHL Draft, Smith-Pelly became the third-youngest player in Ducks history to appear in an NHL game when he made his debut on October 7, 2011. Smith-Pelly signed with the Capitals as a free agent on July 3, 2017, and played two seasons with Washington. In his first season with the Capitals, Smith-Pelly registered 16 points (7g, 9a) in a career-high 75 games. The Scarborough, Ontario native appeared in all 24 playoff games during Washington's run to the Stanley Cup, registering eight points (7g, 1a). Smith-Pelly scored a goal in the final three games of the Stanley Cup Final, including the game-winning goal in Game 4 and the game-tying goal in Game 5. Smith-Pelly's three goals in the Stanley Cup Final were tied with Alex Ovechkin for the most on Washington. In 395 career games with the Capitals, Anaheim Ducks, Montreal Canadiens and New Jersey Devils, Smith-Pelly recorded 101 points (44g, 57a).
Prior Black History Night puck drop participants have included Capitals alumnus Bill Riley and his granddaughter Kryshanda Green - the former and first Black captain of the Ryerson University Rams women's hockey team, Capitals alumnus Joel Ward, U.S. representative John Lewis and NHL Legend Willie O'Ree and Fort Dupont Cannons coaches including Cannons founder Neal Henderson.
Celebrating Black History Warmup Jersey Fundraiser
Capitals players will wear special warmup jerseys designed by Zilla on Black History Night that will be signed and auctioned off to benefit the Capitals Capital Impact Fund. Additional information on the design inspiration will be announced the week of Feb. 20 when the jerseys are officially unveiled.
Last season's warmup jersey fundraiser raised $52,960 for the Capital Impact Fund. In 2020 the Capitals and Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation created the Capital Impact Fund to provide grants to organizations that can assist in eliminating cost barriers faced by individuals of color in the hockey community. The Washington Capitals and MSE Foundation Capital Impact Fund Grant provides financial support to local nonprofit organizations dedicated to further advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in hockey. The objective of the grant is to provide access to the sport in all forms and concentrates on, but is not limited to: equipment, ice time, school programs, program fees and access to the game. The fund aims to help minority youth players reach their greatest potential and create more equal playing fields for all.
Original Song by Saukrates
The Capitals and musical artist Saukrates collaborated on an original song dedicated to honoring the 11 Black alumni in Capitals history. Capitals Black Hockey Committee member and Tucker Road Ducks Parent Hockey Organization President Alexandria Briggs-Blake assisted with conceptualizing and developing the initiative.
A staple in the music industry since 1994, Saukrates is a classically trained violinist who developed his musical talent while playing with Scarborough's youth symphony orchestra. He's earned multiple Juno nominations and won multiple MMVA awards for solo projects, in addition to assisting artists across Canada and the world through song production, drum and instrument musicianship, hook and verse appearances, ghost writing and consultation. He also co-owned Capitol Hill Records, which helped launch many Canadian artists.
Youth Hockey Clinic
Capitals Youth Hockey Development is hosting a youth hockey clinic on Saturday, Feb. 11, at MedStar Capitals Iceplex with members of the Fort Dupont Cannons, Tucker Road Ducks, Baltimore Banners and graduates of the Future Caps Learn to Play Program. The clinic will be led by current Gonzaga College High School Varsity II Head Coach and Fort Dupont Cannons alumnus Bryan King.
Black Girl Hockey Club Scholarship
The Capitals and MSE Foundation will fund a Black Girl Hockey Club (BGHC) scholarship for Arianna Willet, a Washington, D.C., based hockey player, who currently plays for the Northern Virginia Ice Dogs' 14u Girls hockey team. Willet began her career with the Fort Dupont Cannons and Tucker Road Ducks.
The BGHC scholarship program was established to subsidize the cost of playing hockey for Black females ages nine through 18. Scholarships are offered annually to assist and encourage Black females to pursue their interest in hockey, a sport where Black players are often underrepresented. The scholarship is disbursed three times a year and is available to players globally.
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Black Hockey History Display
Capitals fans are encouraged to visit the Black Hockey History Display at Capital One Arena, which was unveiled in February 2022. It is a permanent display on the main concourse at section 116 devoted to the Capitals Black history and players. It features:
Black Hockey History Microsite
Visit the
Capitals Black Hockey microsite
for information on Capitals specific and league-wide initiatives. The site also highlights Black athletes who have played with the organization, including detailed player biographies. In addition to highlighting specific programs and diversity initiatives, the site contains information on youth programs throughout the region and links to resource materials on black hockey.