Charity

Washington Capitals Players Assist Local Youth at Rising Stars Academy

About 30 high school-level hockey players on Saturday honed their skills alongside several Washington Capitals players at the 2026 Rising Stars Academy clinic at MedStar Capitals Iceplex.

The young players skated with Washington’s Declan Chisholm, Brandon Duhaime, Ryan Leonard, Justin Sourdif and Trevor van Riemsdyk. Academy lead instructor Bryan King and guest lead instructor Kush Sidhu coached students through development sessions.

Justin Sourdif passed the puck.

Capitals players wore the “Celebrating Black History” specialty jersey designed by JC Smith, co-founder of Washington, D.C.-based apparel company Bailiwick Clothing. Smith discussed the inspiration behind the designs with the academy participants.

The Rising Stars Academy began in 2023 and is funded through the Capitals’ and Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation’s Capital Impact Fund, which “aims to help minority youth players reach their greatest potential,” according to Monumental.

Young players practiced passing and skating, and participated in scrimmage exercises as Capitals skaters floated around to assist.

The History of Black Washington Capitals

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