Meet the Capitals Youth Hockey Rising Stars

This year's Celebrating Black History warm up jersey uses the alternative W crest to represent past, present and future black players of the Washington Capitals expressed by artist Robert Generette III through line work in illustrations. The Capitals will recognize future "Rising Stars" for their leadership and paving the way for the next generation of Black hockey players.

Meet the Rising Stars:
Name: Arianna Willet
Number: 33
Position: Defense
Team: Northern Virginia Ice Dogs
Arianna started her hockey career playing for Coach Neal Henderson and the Fort Dupont Cannons. She wants to be a mentor and a coach with the hopes of enticing younger kids to get an early start in loving the game of hockey.

Name: Ralph Featherstone
Number: 11
Position: Center
Team: Fort Dupont Cannons
Ralph started playing hockey with the Fort Dupont Cannons in 2016 at the age of 7. His current hobbies outside of hockey are chess and basketball. Ralphs lived in Iwakuni, Japan, where his dad was stationed for 3.5 years. While there he learned how to read, write, and speak Japanese. His father is Cannons coach Ralph Featherstone.

Name: Charles Tucker
Number: 33
Position: Offense
Team: Tucker Road Ducks
Charles Tucker, III is an 11 year old ice hockey player that began playing with the Tucker Road Ducks at the age of 6 years old. He currently attends the Alexandria Country Day School and serves the student body as an elected Student Council Leader for the 6th grade class. Charles also volunteers with several organizations to feed the homeless and provide pantry items to families in need.

Name: Larry Shanks-Leas
Number: 1
Position: Goalie
Team: Baltimore Banners
Larry has been playing goalie for The Baltimore Banners ever since his first day of street hockey practice in 2020. In his spare time, Larry makes YouTube videos and manages more than 8 social media accounts including 3 Jr Banners accounts.

Name: Keivonn Woodard
Position: Forward
Team: Bowie Bruins
Keivonn Woodard is called "Hollywood" by teammates and coaches. He likes to celebrate goals and is an actor on the HBO hit series "The Last of Us." Keivonn's goal is to be the first deaf player in the NHL.

Name: Benard Lagergren
Team: Future Caps Learn to Play @ Prince William Ice Center
Benard was introduced to hockey through the Future Caps Learn to Play program. This is his first time playing ice hockey and he is having a blast.

Name: Raphael Belcher
Number: 41
Position: Left Defense
Team: Fort Dupont Cannons
Favorite Caps Player: Sonny Milano
Raphael comes from a hockey family, his dad and both his siblings also play. He learned how to skate at the ripe age of 3 with Coach Neal of the Fort Dupont Cannons and has been a proud member of the Cannons for 10 years. He dreams of one day playing in the NHL and inspiring other black children to experience hockey. In addition to hockey, he also plays baseball and basketball. Family, music, his dog Taco and sports are things that he values.

Name: Lena Williams
Number: 30
Position: Forward
Team: Richard Montgomery High School Varsity
Favorite Caps Player: T.J. Oshie
Lena is the first African American and the first woman to be Captain for the Richard Montgomery High School Rockets and is the Assistant Captain for the Tri-city Eagles team. During her time with Richard Montgomery, she lead her team to an undefeated season and they placed 2nd in the conference.