Gallery: Capitals Celebrate Black History Night At Capital One Arena

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Washington Capitals celebrated Black History Night on Monday at Capital One Arena.

In their game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Capitals paid tribute to Black history and achievement in hockey. Washington also promoted different teams and programs in the DMV.

As part of the team’s Black History Night, the Capitals wore special black warmup jerseys featuring Fort Dupont Cannons shoulder patches. Washington’s players also wore Neal Henderson decals on their helmets. Henderson founded the Fort Dupont Ice Hockey Club. in 1978. The program provides local and inner-city youth the opportunity to play organized hockey.

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Henderson became the first Black individual to be inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame back in 2019. The Cannons is the oldest minority hockey program in North America.

The Capitals signed the jerseys, which were auctioned off, along with signed pucks and other items commemorating Black History Month. All proceeds benefit the Capital Impact Fund to help eliminate cost barriers fr individuals of color in the hockey community.

In addition, Washington welcomed alum Bill Riley and his granddaughter, Kryshanda Green, to drop the puck.

Riley made his NHL debut with the Capitals in 1974. He became the first Black player to lace ’em up for Washington and the third Black player in NHL history. He finished his tenure with 28 goals and 28 assists in 125 games.

Green was the first Black captain of the Ryerson Rams women’s hockey team. She also broke the team’s all-time points and assist records. Green is currently on the NHL’s Youth Hockey Inclusion Council.

Bill Riley and Kryshanda Green drop the puck as #ALLCAPS celebrate Black History Night. pic.twitter.com/kWgmXFJV4d

— Sammi Silber (@sammisilber) March 1, 2022

Here are all the scenes from the night, as well as photos from yours truly and edited by our new photo editor, Michael Giammetta.

All photos are by Sammi Silber and Michael Giammetta for Washington Hockey Now. Do not republish/reuse without permission.