Capitals get it right with Joe Snively

Joe Snively has been living out his NHL dream with the Washington Capitals and now he’s about to get paid. The team announced they re-signed the Herndon, Virginia native to a two year deal worth $1.6 million total. It’ll carry an average annual value (AAV) of $800,000.

Snively became the first player in franchise history to play for the squad as a native of the commonwealth and is one of three players from Virginia to score in the NHL. Snively trained at MedStar Capitals Iceplex (then and always Kettler) in his youth, participating in the Little Caps program.

Thanks to guys like Alex Ovechkin, who has taken the NHL by storm since 2005, the entire DMV region has seen a growth in youth participation in the game of hockey by 200%. That’s the “Ovechkin Effect”.

Per a press release from the Caps, the impact on the ice has seen USA Hockey registrations grow over 58 percent in that same time period (based on registration date before the pandemic). Specifically, Washington, D.C. alone, that number has increased more than 184 percent.

“The Ovechkin Effect” has not only impacted the growth on the ice but off the ice as well with more than 750,000 students participating int he Capitals Hockey School program annually within the market. There are 40 indoor ice facilities currently with 53 sheets total that are now accompanied by 14 outdoor street hockey facilities the team has invested in since 2015.

The 26 year old has recorded seven points in 12 games with four goals and three assists with the Caps this season. He notched his first NHL goal in Montreal on Feb. 10, joining Eric Weinrich of Roanoke (shoutout to the New River Valley!) and Scott Lachance of Charlottesville as the only Virginia born players to score in the NHL.

Over with the Hershey Bears, the five foot nine, 176 pound forward recorded 38 points in 35 games this season with 15 goals and 23 assists, leading the team in points.

Capitals General Manager Brian MacLellan said this:

"“Joe is a versatile, skilled forward, and we are extremely pleased with his development this season. Joe has worked hard and put himself in a position to earn a spot on our team. It is a great testament to him and all the local youth hockey coaches and programming in our area that guided him along through this journey.”"

Snively is living proof to kids around the DMV that they too can live their dream and play on the Capitals. Congrats to him and his family.