Remembering Reggie Savage

Washington Capitals alum Reggie Savage was a first round pick by the Caps in 1988. After a few years in the minors, Savage made his NHL debut on Feb. 5, 1991.

Reggie Savage, Washington Capitals
Reggie Savage, Washington Capitals / Rick Stewart/GettyImages

Reggie Savage, a Washington Capitals alum who was drafted by the team in the first round, passed away the team announced in a statement:

"His talent and love for the game fueled a memorable playing career that spanned 15 seasons across several professional leagues and multimple continents."

"Our entire organization extends our deepest condolences to his family and friends."

Savage donned two numbers during his time with the Capitals, 37 and 15. He played in 34 games and had five goals and seven assists for 12 points. In the 1992-93 season he ahd a career high three goals and four assists for seven points with the Quebec Nordiques. The season before that was his final season with the Caps where he recorded two goals and three assists for five points.

According to Sportskeeda, Savage passed away at 53 after losing a battle to cancer per TVA Sports.ca. The news was annouced by his former head coach John Paris Jr. on his Facebook.

Savage made his Capitals and NHL debut in 1991 playing in just one game that season. He scored his first career goal on a penalty shot. He is one of just five players in the history of the NHL to do that.

Savage made history as one of the first African American players to make his way to the NHL after doing really well in the junior ranks at his birthplace in Quebec. He was born on May 1, 1970 in Montreal of Jamacian descent.

Savage spent the majority of his young playing career with the Victoriaville Tigers of the QMJHL. He also got the chance to represent Canada at the World Junior Hockey Championships in 1989. He played his final season with the Toledo Storm of the ECHL in the 2004-05 season.

May Savage rest in peace. Cool name, cool stat line for a first goal, and a good legacy.