Clay Stevenson Makes NHL Debut

April 17, 2025

Goaltender Clay Stevenson, recalled from the Hershey Bears by the Washington Capitals on April 14, made his National Hockey League debut Thursday evening, skating in his major league premiere with the Capitals against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena. The 26-year-old made 33 saves on 38 shots against, as Washington fell 5-2 to the Penguins.

Stevenson is the 69th Bears player to make his NHL debut with Washington since the two teams entered into an affiliation agreement prior to the 2005-06 season, and the second this season after forward Ethen Frank premiered with the Capitals on Jan. 10 vs. Montreal.

Stevenson has posted an 18-8-4 record with a 2.94 goals-against average, an .888 save percentage, and two shutouts in 33 games with Hershey this season.

During his first full AHL season in 2023-24, the 6'4", 195-pound goaltender went 24-10-2 with a 2.06 goals-against average, a .922 save percentage, and seven shutouts in 36 games with Hershey. Stevenson's seven shutouts led the AHL and tied Hershey's single-season shutout record. Stevenson, who represented Hershey at the 2024 AHL All-Star Classic, ranked second in the AHL in goals-against average, and third in save percentage. Stevenson and teammate Hunter Shepard were the recipients of the Harry "Hap" Holmes Memorial Award, presented to the goaltending duo that allows the fewest goals per game during the AHL's regular season. Stevenson also appeared in two Calder Cup Playoff games, stopping nine of 10 shots against, as Hershey claimed its 13th title.

In 72 career AHL games with Hershey, Stevenson has a record of 45-18-6 with a 2.44 goals-against average, a .907 save percentage, and nine shutouts.

Stevenson was originally signed by the Capitals to an NHL contract on March 28, 2022 following the completion of his collegiate career at Dartmouth College.

The Bears continue the 2024-25 regular season, presented by Penn State Health, when they host the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on Friday, April 18 at 7 p.m. at GIANT Center. Fans 21-and-over can take advantage of a pre-game happy hour from doors to puck drop featuring a $5 16 oz. select beer special. Purchase tickets for the game by CLICKING HERE.