The Color of Hockey: Devante Smith-Pelly’s New Chapter as a Broadcaster
Since 2012, William Douglas has been a voice for diversity in hockey through his blog, The Color of Hockey. In 2019, he joined NHL.com, where he continues to shine a spotlight on the contributions of people of color in the sport. One of his recent profiles features retired NHL forward Devante Smith-Pelly, who is stepping into the role of an analyst for the Washington Capitals this season.
A New Beginning
Devante Smith-Pelly, a veteran of eight NHL seasons, is embarking on a new journey that has him feeling like a rookie once again. As he stood in a studio area outside Capital One Arena before the Capitals’ home opener against the New Jersey Devils on October 12, he was filled with a mix of excitement and nerves. “I’m still learning,” he admitted, acknowledging the challenges of transitioning from player to broadcaster. However, he expressed gratitude for the support he has received from the crew behind the scenes, who have been “very, very helpful and very patient” during this adjustment period.
Embracing the Analyst Role
At 32 years old, the Scarborough, Ontario native is set to make his mark as an analyst on approximately 25 to 30 Capitals broadcasts this season. His role will resemble the innovative “ManningCast” format popularized by ESPN, where he will provide insights during pregame, postgame, and alternate broadcasts on the team’s Monumental Sports Network (MNMT). This unique opportunity allows Smith-Pelly to share his extensive knowledge of the game while connecting with fans in a new way.
A Unique Opportunity in College Hockey
In addition to his work with the Capitals, Smith-Pelly is particularly excited about an upcoming game where he will serve as an analyst for a matchup between Penn State and Army’s NCAA Division I men’s hockey teams at Capital One Arena on December 12. This game is part of the inaugural Capital Hockey Classic, which will also feature a contest between the United States Military Academy West Point and United States Naval Academy club hockey teams. “I’m looking forward to digging in and scouting, learning about the college game,” he said. Despite never having played college hockey himself, Smith-Pelly is eager to challenge himself and deliver a compelling broadcast.
Staying Connected to the Game
Transitioning from player to broadcaster in the city where he achieved his greatest success offers Smith-Pelly a unique opportunity to remain connected to the sport he loves. Reflecting on his retirement in 2022, he admitted that he was uncertain about his next steps. “Honestly, when I retired, I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do,” he shared. However, after trying his hand at broadcasting with TSN in Canada, he discovered a newfound passion for the role. “After the first show, I was, like, ‘Wow, I actually really enjoyed that,’” he recalled. This revelation solidified his desire to stay involved in hockey, steering clear of coaching and instead focusing on broadcasting.
The Journey Ahead
As Smith-Pelly embarks on this new chapter, he brings with him a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective. His journey from the ice to the broadcast booth exemplifies the evolving landscape of hockey, where former players are increasingly taking on roles that allow them to share their insights and experiences with fans. With his enthusiasm and dedication, Devante Smith-Pelly is poised to make a significant impact as an analyst, enriching the viewing experience for Capitals fans and contributing to the ongoing conversation about diversity in hockey.