The Washington Capitals are making a bold statement this Black History Month with their latest specialty jersey design, a true celebration of Black culture and history.
Unveiling a Visual Tribute to Black Excellence
In the lead-up to their final game post-Olympic break, the Capitals revealed a stunning new jersey, their third such tribute since 2024. This year's design, crafted by Bailiwick Clothing, a Washington, D.C.-based brand, takes a unique approach, moving away from the traditional Capitals logo and all-black aesthetic. Instead, it showcases the vibrant Screaming Eagle on a red backdrop.
A Design Rich in Meaning
But here's where it gets interesting: the details of this jersey are what truly make it special. The Screaming Eagle's crest features the colors red, green, and yellow across its eyes, beak, and tongue, symbolizing Black History Month. The gold accents represent African royalty, a subtle yet powerful nod to heritage.
On the left shoulder patch, you'll find the ALL CAPS and Weagle logo, with a gradient of colors representing different skin tones. Surrounding this patch are the last names of 12 notable Black players and alumni in Capitals history, a beautiful way to honor their legacy.
Honoring Black Pioneers in Hockey
The right shoulder patch celebrates the Capitals' 51st season, but it also represents the city's progressives who advocate for D.C. to become the 51st state. The design draws inspiration from vintage Go-Go posters, a unique touch.
Even the captain's letters and sleeve numbers pay homage, featuring 12 small stripes and a pattern of red, green, and yellow, representing both the 12 Black players and the Pan-African Flag.
The player numbers on the back showcase a diagonal Boundary Stones pattern, a nod to Washington, D.C.'s diamond shape. These Boundary Stones, surveyed by Benjamin Banneker, a legendary Black Astronomer, are significant in local and Black history, being the oldest federally placed monuments in the country.
A Special Mention for Justin Sourdif
Sourdif, a standout player, deserves his own spotlight. His presence on the team and in this jersey design is a testament to diversity and talent.
The Designers Behind the Magic
Bailiwick Clothing, founded by brothers JC and Jeff Smith, aims to tell the unique stories of D.C. through their designs. The brand, designed and printed locally, embodies the city's spirit and culture.
Supporting a Worthy Cause
The jerseys, signed by the entire 2025-26 Capitals roster, will be auctioned off by the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation in a Celebrating Black History Auction. The proceeds will benefit the Capitals' Capital Impact Fund, which supports local nonprofit organizations promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in hockey, and funds the Rising Stars Academy.
The auction is open now and will close on February 28th at 3 pm. You can participate and bid on these special jerseys and other items here.
Last year's auction raised an impressive $53,245 for the Capital Impact Fund, showcasing the power of sports in driving positive change.
The Capitals' Commitment to Black History Month
The Capitals are going beyond just the jersey design. On February 21st, they'll host a Rising Stars Academy clinic, where elite high-school athletes will participate in skill development sessions with Capitals players. Both the players and clinic participants will wear versions of the Celebrating Black History specialty jersey.
The Capitals launched the Rising Stars Academy in 2023 to provide mentorship and skill development for local hockey players of color. It's an initiative that emphasizes physical and mental strength and fosters important discussions around hockey culture.
On February 27th, the Capitals will host Celebrating Black History Night, honoring Black achievement in hockey and showcasing their efforts to grow the game further. All fans in attendance will receive a Capitals tote bag, and the evening will feature the debut of "District Dozen," a song dedicated to Black players in Capitals history, created by Emmy Award-winning artist Saukrates.
A Permanent Display of Black Hockey History
Capitals fans can visit the Black Hockey History Display at Capital One Arena, a permanent fixture unveiled in 2022. It showcases Capitals Black history and players, featuring memorabilia, a timeline of key moments, and an interactive QR code leading to washcaps.com/blackhockey for more information.
Retail and Online Presence
A Bailiwick crew neck, hat, and hoodie featuring the Screaming Eagle design will be available for purchase at the Team Store at Capital One Arena in mid-February.
Additionally, the Capitals' Black Hockey microsite provides information on their initiatives and highlights Black athletes who have played with the organization, offering detailed player biographies and resources on black hockey.
