Keivonn Meets the Caps

Starring in the HBO series "The Last of Us," Keivonn Woodard at the age of 10 years old has already accomplished more than some people could ever imagine. And yet, he still has another big dream.

Woodard's goal is to become the first Deaf Black player in NHL history.
He currently plays for the Bowie Ice Hockey Club, and in Oct. 2022, the Washington Capitals and Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation's Capital Impact Fund awarded Bowie a $10,000 grant for an interpreter for Woodard at games and practices. The grant also helped pay for a special lighting system that Bowie sets up at rinks to alert Woodard of play stoppages and shift changes.
Ahead of the Capitals' Celebrating Black History game vs. the New York Rangers on Feb. 25, the team invited Woodard to MedStar Capitals Iceplex on Feb. 24 to watch practice and meet players, including Capitals alumnus Devante Smith-Pelly, who was in town to participate in the game's ceremonial puck drop.

Smith-Pelly, an eight-year NHL veteran and 2018 Stanley Cup champion, announced his retirement from professional hockey on Dec. 30 and is one of 11 Black players to have played for the Capitals.
"I had seen his story, and it's awesome," said Smith-Pelly. "He's got a bright future."
Smith-Pelly also shared some advice for Woodard as he chases his goal.
"Why not? I don't see why it couldn't happen," he said. "Don't let anyone tell you that you can't. There's going to be obstacles along the way, but if you think you can do it, just keep pushing forward, and don't let anyone stop you."
As Capitals players took the ice for practice, they gave Woodard fist bumps and high fives. He then quickly headed to the glass to ensure he was able to soak in every bit of the team's practice.
When he first saw Alex Ovechkin, who is his favorite player, Woodard's face lit up. Throughout the session, he could not contain his excitement, often banging on the glass when a player skated by.
Once practiced concluded, Woodard was invited into the locker room for a special surprise. Waiting for him was Ovechkin with an autographed stick.
Woodard stood there for a moment, stunned but smiling from ear to ear, before giving him a big hug. The two of them then went to Ovechkin's stall, where Woodard taught him how to sign "O-V-I."

On what it was like getting to meet his idol, Woodard said, "Complete and utter shock. I was so shocked that I just stood there and stared. It was a dream of mine. I had been wishing to meet him, and it's a dream come true."
As this interaction took place, Sonny Milano, whose stall is a few down from Ovechkin's, was intrigued by all the cameras and commotion.
Upon hearing about Woodard's background, Milano said, "That's an unreal story. He's a stud."
While Milano and everyone else were already impressed with Woodard, they still had not seen his hockey skills firsthand. So as some Capitals players got in post-practice work, Woodard joined them with yellow laces on his skates - a nod to the player he "wants to be like one day."
From the moment Woodard touched the ice, he was flying around the rink, only slowing down to occasionally catch his breath and grab a sip of water. He then challenged Charlie Lindgren to a breakaway challenge.

It did not take long to figure out that Woodard's Bowie coach calling him "Hollywood" has a deeper meaning than simply referring to his young acting career. After each goal scored on Lindgren, Woodard made sure to show off one of his patented flashy celebrations.
"My coach calls me 'Hollywood' because I really like to celebrate," he said.
Woodard's passion for the game and skills did not go unnoticed by the goalie he was scoring on.
"I was really impressed with his skating," said Lindgren. "He's a high energy kid. You can tell he loves the game. It's cool to just see a kid like him, who organically loves the game, and that's why we all play because we love the game too. It puts a smile on your face."
After finishing up with Lindgren, Woodard went down to the other end of the ice to join Nicolas Aube-Kubel for some passing and shooting drills. He closely studied Aube-Kubel's mechanics to try to emulate his shot power.
Having picked up on this fascination, Aube-Kubel decided to present Woodard with one more surprise. He took him to the team's equipment room, where Aube-Kubel sawed down the stick he had been practicing with, so Woodard could then use it himself.
This led to Woodard's second biggest smile of the afternoon.
"He's impressive," said Aube-Kubel. "He's really fast and has a lot of energy. I think he's going to be a very good hockey player."

Woodard departed the facility with two special sticks and memories that will last a lifetime.
"It was such a cool experience," said Woodard. "It's definitely a great memory. I was super excited to go out there and play with them."
His peak into life as a professional hockey player did not stop there, though.
The following day as part of the Capitals' Celebrating Black History game, Woodard was one of seven players recognized as a "Rising Star." These players were selected in recognition of their leadership and paving the way for the next generation of Black hockey players.
During the game, Woodard had the opportunity to participate in the Top Shot Challenge. He made sure to bring and use the stick Aube-Kubel had given him the day before.
For his performance in the challenge, he received an autographed Ovechkin jersey.
And as if his love of hockey or the Capitals needed any further elaboration, while waiting to do the challenge, Woodard found a TV with the game on and pulled up a chair to watch. Following every goal or exciting play, he could be seen jumping out of his seat and throwing his hands in the air.

On what April Jackson-Woodard, Keivonn's mother, thought the two-day experience meant to her son, she said, "Mind blown. Period."
She added, "This is what the NHL looks like from their practice into their game and what they do behind the scenes. He does practice and goes to games, but now, seeing what the professionals really do, I think he's kind of realizing what this all looks like."
Note: Keivonn Woodard and April Jackson-Woodard's answers were communicated through American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters.