Devante Smith-Pelly

Devante Smith-Pelly on being one of the only black players in the NHL: ‘It’s really lonely’

Washington Capitals forward Devante Smith-Pelly is the latest in the NHL to offer his thoughts on the controversial protests that have captured the nation’s attention over the last week.

In an interview with The Toronto Star’s Bruce Arthur, Smith-Pelly spoke on Thursday about the issues prompting the wave of protests against racial injustice and the loneliness that comes with being one of only roughly 30 black players in the NHL. In total, black athletes make up less than five percent of a nearly 700-player league.

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By Madeline Dement 3 years ago

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Looking at the Caps forward position battles

For the first time in a while, the Caps have a number of roster spots up for grabs in training camp this season. In recent years, all but one or two spots were taken before training camp even started.

At forward the Caps have three open slots in the top-12 and likely one more spot for a 13th forward. Here’s a look at where things stand early in camp.

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By Patrick Holden 3 years ago

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BioSteel Camp holds player draft: Tyler Seguin selects Tom Wilson and Brett Connolly

The eighth annual BioSteel Camp will soon begin. The event is a week-long training program where several dozen NHL superstars, prospects, and role players ready themselves in Toronto for their upcoming NHL training camps. BioSteel holds the sessions near the end of August each year and it includes three days of intense training followed by a single day tournament.

This summer, Capitals forwards Tom Wilson, Brett Connolly, and Devante Smith-Pelly are participating along with former Capitals Michael Latta, Joel Ward, and Christian Thomas.

Monday, there was a player draft featuring captains Michael Del Zotto, Tyler Seguin, Wayne Simmonds, and Darnell Nurse. Wilson and Connolly were picked by Dallas Stars forward Tyler Seguin while Smith-Pelly was chosen first by Wayne Simmonds.

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By Cara Bahniuk 3 years ago

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Newest Capital Devante Smith-Pelly randomly meets Floyd Mayweather at boxing press conference in Toronto

On August 26, undefeated boxer Floyd Mayweather will take on UFC fighter Conor McGregor in what may be the biggest fight in history. Ahead of their fight in Las Vegas, the two are partaking in a four-day, four city worldwide press tour.

Mayweather is the favorite to walk away from the event with the victory and he had two special guests during the second date in Toronto: new Capitals forward Devante Smith-Pelly and free agent Hershey Bears forward Christian Thomas.

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By Cara Bahniuk 3 years ago

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Capitals sign forwards Devante Smith-Pelly and John Albert

After clearing cap space by trading Marcus Johansson to the New Jersey Devils on Sunday, the Capitals signed two forwards – both of which could see time in Hershey – to two-way deals. Right wing Devante Smith-Pelly and forward John Albert inked one-year, two-way contracts Monday morning.

Smith-Pelly, who has played parts of five seasons in the NHL, just recently had the final year of his two-year, $2.6 million contract bought out the day before free agency and is a candidate to skate on the Caps’ fourth line next season. A feisty undersized wing, Smith-Pelly registered an abysmal 40.85 shot attempts percentage last season with trap-happy New Jersey. During his time in Anaheim, Smith-Pelly had his biggest career accomplishment, scoring five unlikely playoff goals during the team’s 2013–14 postseason run (which ended in the second round).

Albert, originally drafted by the Atlanta Thrashers during the 2007 season, played in 9 NHL games for Winnipeg last season. During his distinguished American Hockey League career, the undersized center has registered 155 points (68 goals, 87 assists) in 283 career games with St. John’s and Manitoba.

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By Cara Bahniuk 3 years ago

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