Hagerstown will host a free girls hockey weekend on September 12‑13 at the Hagerstown Ice & Sports Complex, offering a hands‑on introduction to the fast‑moving sport for youngsters who might otherwise never step onto the ice.
A Community‑Driven Push for Girls in Hockey
The event, part of a broader regional program that spans 18 rinks across Maryland and Virginia, is designed for girls between the ages of four and nine and is completely free of charge.
Organized by the Washington Capitals in partnership with the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation and the Potomac Valley Amateur Hockey Association, the clinic connects families with experienced coaches and provides all necessary gear for one‑ to two‑hour ice sessions.
Participants can register online through capsyouthhockey.com, where they will also find details on equipment loans, session times and safety protocols.
Since its launch in 2023, the initiative has grown from 16 rinks to more than 18 locations, drawing over 630 first‑time female players last year alone. The program’s impact is reflected in a 225 percent increase in registered girls and women hockey participants in the Washington region from the 2005‑06 season through the 2025‑26 season, and an 8 percent rise in enrollment in the Future Caps Learn to Play program.
Beyond the numbers, organizers say the weekend serves a deeper purpose: to spark lasting interest, build community ties and ensure that the next generation of female athletes has a welcoming entry point into a sport historically dominated by men.
The collaboration among the Capitals, local rinks and regional clubs illustrates how public‑private partnerships can break down barriers and create inclusive pathways for sport. As the ice thaws each September, the echo of skates will signal not just a weekend of play but a growing movement that promises to reshape the hockey landscape in the Mid‑Atlantic.