Keivonn Woodard is a 10-year hockey star and actor. On Friday, he met his idol, Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin. Woodard is deaf and plays Sam in “The Last of Us,” an HBO drama series.
Keivonn Woodard is part of a six-generation deaf family. A native of nearby Prince George’s County, Maryland, Woodard plays youth hockey for the Bowie Hockey Club. His team has given him the nickname “Hollywood” for obvious reasons.
He met Ovechkin and spent the day at the MedStar Capitals Iceplex. The astonishing moment for him was a memory he will cherish forever. He hugged Ovechkin and spent time teaching Ovechkin American Sign Language.
Alex Ovechkin provided him with a signed hockey stick. Woodard fell in love with hockey after seeing others play the sport during a skating party. He is a star on the ice, wearing yellow laces in his skate like Ovechkin.
Woodard has become comfortable on the rink in part due to efforts by his hockey club to accommodate his needs. Thanks to the Capitals’ MSE Foundation Impact Fund, Bowie uses an American Sign Language interpreter for Woodard. Also, the funding allows the team to use a lighting system to aid Woodard in play stoppage and line changes, according to William Douglas of Color of Hockey.
Ovechkin rejoined the Capitals this week after he flew to his native Russia to attend the funeral of his father. Unfortunately, Woodard’s father passed two years ago from cancer.
As for his day at the Capitals, Woodard also got time on the ice, taking some shots at Capitals goaltender Charlie Lindgren.
Could the NHL be in his cards someday? Woodard certainly hopes so. But for now, he’ll continue to amaze on the rink with his club and on TV screens.
