The Washington Capitals and a coalition of youth hockey groups are set to welcome a new generation of players to the ice this September. The first‑ever DMV Girls Hockey Weekend will run on September 12 and 13, offering free on‑ice sessions at 18 rinks spread throughout Maryland and Virginia.
Organized by the Washington Capitals, the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation, the Potomac Valley Amateur Hockey Association and a network of local clubs, the event is designed to remove financial barriers and give girls a first taste of the game. Participants will receive guidance on equipment needs, and loaner gear will be made available through participating youth programs.
Registration is now open, and families can sign up through the host rink’s email system. Details about equipment requirements vary by location, but each rink will communicate specific expectations to registrants in the weeks leading up to the weekend.
A Gateway for Young Players Across the Region
The initiative will feature clubs from Northern Virginia such as the Ashburn Ice House Caps Academy, Loudoun Knights, NOVA IceDogs, Piedmont Predators, Potomac Lady Patriots and Reston Raiders. These partners will host sessions, provide coaching staff and help coordinate the loaner equipment program, ensuring that every participant has the tools needed to step onto the ice.
Beyond the on‑ice action, the weekend aims to build a lasting community around girls’ hockey in the DMV. By partnering with established youth organizations and leveraging the reach of the Capitals brand, the event hopes to create a pipeline that encourages sustained participation and growth of the sport among young females.