African American Hockey Player Washington Capitals
The Washington Capitals hockey team is one of the most successful teams in the National Hockey League (NHL). The team has a rich history and a loyal fan base. The Capitals have had some great players over the years, but one player stands out from the rest. He is an African American hockey player who has made a significant impact on the sport. This article will explore the contributions of this remarkable player to the Washington Capitals and the NHL as a whole.
Who is the African American Hockey Player of Washington Capitals?
The African American hockey player of the Washington Capitals is Devante Smith-Pelly. Smith-Pelly was born on June 14, 1992, in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada. He was drafted in the second round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft by the Anaheim Ducks. Smith-Pelly made his NHL debut with the Ducks in 2011 and later played for the Montreal Canadiens and the New Jersey Devils before joining the Capitals in 2018.
Smith-Pelly's Contributions to the Capitals
Smith-Pelly's contributions to the Washington Capitals were significant. He played a crucial role in helping the team win the Stanley Cup Championship in 2018. Smith-Pelly scored seven goals and had one assist in the playoffs. One of his most memorable moments came in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals when he scored a game-tying goal against the Vegas Golden Knights. Smith-Pelly's stellar performance in the playoffs earned him the nickname "Playoff Pelly."
Smith-Pelly's performance during the Stanley Cup Finals was not the only time he made headlines. In February 2018, during a game against the Chicago Blackhawks, Smith-Pelly was subjected to racial taunts from Blackhawks fans. Instead of allowing the taunts to affect him, Smith-Pelly responded by scoring a goal in the game. His response was praised by his teammates and fans across the league. The Capitals organization released a statement condemning the racist behavior and supporting Smith-Pelly.
Smith-Pelly's Impact on the NHL
Smith-Pelly's impact on the NHL goes beyond his contributions to the Washington Capitals. He has become a role model for young African American hockey players. His success on the ice shows that African Americans can excel in a sport that is predominantly white. Smith-Pelly has also used his platform to speak out against racism and promote equality in hockey. He has participated in events and campaigns aimed at increasing diversity in the sport.
Smith-Pelly's impact has not gone unnoticed. In 2018, he was awarded the Ace Bailey Memorial Award, which is given to the player who best exemplifies a commitment to community service.
The Future of African Americans in Hockey
The success of Devante Smith-Pelly and other African American players in the NHL is a testament to the progress that has been made in the sport. However, there is still a long way to go. The NHL is working to increase diversity in the sport through programs and initiatives aimed at encouraging more diversity in youth hockey leagues. The NHL has also established a program called "Hockey is for Everyone" to promote diversity and inclusiveness in hockey.
As the sport becomes more diversified, we can expect to see more African American players like Devante Smith-Pelly making an impact on the ice. The future of African Americans in hockey is bright, and we can all look forward to watching the next generation of talented players take the ice.
Conclusion
Devante Smith-Pelly is a remarkable athlete who has made significant contributions to the Washington Capitals and the NHL. His success on the ice and his commitment to promoting equality in the sport make him a role model for young African American hockey players. Smith-Pelly's story shows us that with hard work and dedication, anyone can succeed in a sport, regardless of their race. The NHL's initiatives to promote diversity in the sport will help ensure that we see more African American players making an impact on the ice in the future.
