A Powerful Puck Drop

Having two legends in their respective fields drop the ceremonial puck on such a meaningful night is not something that happens often, but it did on Tuesday at Capital One Arena.

The Capitals celebrated Black History in Hockey Night on February 26 and the legendary Willie O'Ree and U.S. Congressman John Lewis took the ice to drop the puck.

O'Ree was the first black player to ever suit up in the National Hockey League and since his days as a professional hockey player, he has taken it upon himself to continue spreading his passion for hockey to communities across the continent.
Congressman John Lewis is known for his decades of civil rights activism and was a major part of the Selma March in 1965. As for what jersey number he wore? Sixty-five of course. The number is symbolic to him and his involvement in the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
The two met for the first time before the game and enjoyed a conversation with Capitals owner Ted Leonsis where they shared times in their lives of triumph and times of hardship. An instant bond was formed.

"It's an honor and privilege for me to be standing here with him," O'Ree said of Lewis.
O'Ree has dropped a puck (or several) in his time championing the sport of hockey but the Congressman however, has not. O'Ree gave him a few tips beforehand.
"It's all in the wrist," O'Ree told Lewis.
The men took the ice where the two dropped pucks next to Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin and Senators alternate captain Mark Borowiecki.

"It means a great deal to be here with Willie," said Lewis. "It's so good that the Capitals take the time to remember and celebrate the real meaning of black history."
He continued: "Sports have made an unbelievable contribution to the progress we've made in this nation."
As for how Congressman did in his first puck drop?
"I feel good about it," said Lewis.
Added O'Ree: "He did good."
Having the two men who have done so much for the black community was the perfect way to celebrate Black History Month at Capital One Arena in our Nation's Capital.

Watch the Puck Drop: