Washington Little Caps Youth Hockey Starts Herndon Man's Journey To NHL Debut

WASHINGTON, DC — It was a dream come true for Joe Snively of Herndon on Sunday. Not only did he make his National Hockey League (NHL) debut as a member of his hometown team, he scored his first point.

Washington Capitals recalled the 25-year-old forward from the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League (AHL) for Sunday night's game against the Los Angeles Kings.

In his NHL debut, Snively made a primary assist on Connor McMichael's first period goal, earning his first NHL point. Ultimately, the Kings came out on top 3-2.

Earlier in the day, Snively told reporters at the Medstar Capitals Iceplex in Arlington that he was excited to be called up, although at that time he wasn't sure he was going to be playing against the Kings.

As a young athlete, Snively played in the Washington Little Caps program. When asked what he thought playing for his hometown team might mean for children in the D.C. metro area, he said: "I came from this area. I made it, so I'm trying to set an example for them."