WATCH: DMV Native Snively Records First NHL Point With Capitals In Debut

Sunday was already a big day for Washington Capitals forward Joe Snively, who was making his NHL debut just 25 miles down the road from his hometown at Capital One Arena, and it got even more exciting in the opening frame against the Los Angeles Kings.

In front of family, friends and his hometown crowd, the Herndon, Virginia native dished his first NHL point on Connor McMichael’s first-period goal to put Washington up 1-0.

Snively was on a beautiful give-and-go play with his former Hershey teammate, and as he closed in on the net, he banked the puck off a Kings defender in front and right to McMichael, who roofed it for his fourth goal of the season.

Mikey lights the lamp! pic.twitter.com/thDnjEEAAE

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 20, 2021

Snively’s family was pumped up after the strike as they saw Snively dish his first career NHL apple while skating on the third line with McMichael and Beck Malenstyn.

Snively gets his first NHL point and his family is PUMPED! pic.twitter.com/t48iU3w8aB

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 20, 2021

The 25-year-old got the call up on Sunday with the Capitals dealing with more COVID-19 and injury woes. He wasn’t sure if he was going to play but ultimately got to suit up with Mike Sgarbossa and T.J. Oshie entering protocol.

Snively grew up in the DMV and skated with Washington’s Little Caps. He ultimately went on to play in the USHL before lacing ’em up at the NCAA level with Yale. He led Yale in scoring for all four years before signing with the Capitals as a college free agent in March 2019.

READ MORE ON WHN: Snively Gets Rookie Treatment, Takes Solo Lap For Capitals

The left wing has been developing in Hershey over the last few seasons. Through 21 games this season, he leads all Bears in scoring with eight goals and 22 points.

“He’s worked hard. He put himself in a position to have his name called,” head coach Peter Laviolette said of Snively.

Shoutout on the Jumbotron for Snively’s first NHL point. #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/2D3vklU5et

— Sammi Silber (@sammi_silber) December 20, 2021

No. 91 hopes that his journey can inspire other local players in the community.

“I mean I came from this area and I made it, so they can too,” Snively said. “Just trying to set an example for them.”