‘The Last of Us’ breakout star Keivonn Woodard looks to break barriers in hockey as well

Those who are consistently following “The Last of Us” recently met Henry and Sam, portrayed by Lamar Johnson and Keivonn Woodard, respectively.

It’s a breakout role for the 10-year-old Woodard, who gave a remarkably engaging performance as Sam.

While an up-and-coming star in the acting world, it isn’t Woodard’s only passion. He’s also a young hockey star who, according to USA Hockey, is vying to become the first Black and deaf player in the NHL.

Keivonn Woodard has his sights set on being the first deaf Black player in the NHL 🏒

Learn about his path to hockey in this @ColorOfHockey feature → https://t.co/pEqO2UmADH@BowieHockey | @Capitals pic.twitter.com/DnYwWdn14y

— USA Hockey (@usahockey) February 13, 2023

Woodard has a lot of time to figure out what he wants to be, but according to coach Chris Pozerski of Woodard’s under-10 team in Bowie, Maryland, he has a bright future in hockey should he choose to go that way.

“He’s my top goal-scorer and he’s definitely one of the top three players on the team without a doubt,” Pozerski told NHL.com.

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Woodard’s nickname with his teammates is “Hollywood” because of his style.

“I like to celebrate and I’m flashy,” Woodard said through American Sign Language, per NHL.com. “I watch the NHL, the Washington Capitals.”

Beyond being his local team, the Capitals have helped to make Woodard a better player. According to NHL.com, a $10,000 grant from the Capitals got Woodard an interpreter, which allows him to play through the whistle rather than having to be wrangled after it.

“Before, we were having the players tap him on the shoulders or the refs, not grab him, but stop him from continuing on the play,” Pozerski told NHL.com. “I think it’s built confidence in him because he knows he can play to the whistle now. He’s not worried about playing and going too far and a chance of getting himself a penalty.”

Whether Woodard goes into acting or hockey, it’s clear his drive is surpassed only by his talent. While there are unquestionably more acting roles in his future, for the time being he can juggle being an athlete and being an actor.