When the lights dim over the rink at Ashburn Ice House, a distinctive sound rises — a blend of bagpipes, homemade bread aromas, and the occasional quack of a duck call. It signals the arrival of The Flying V’s, Ashburn’s first all‑female ice‑hockey squad, whose members have turned practice into a ritual of camaraderie and fun.
A Distinctive Identity
The team’s mascot, a bright‑yellow duck that waddles onto the ice before every game, has become a symbol of their playful spirit. Alongside the feathered figure, the players incorporate quirky traditions — like calling out duck impressions during breaks — that set them apart from conventional hockey clubs.
At the helm is captain Katie Eibner, a construction professional who discovered her love for hockey after attending a Learn to Play clinic at the Ice House. Eibner recalls being the sole woman in the session, a moment that sparked a determination to carve out a space for herself and other women in the sport.
From Hard Hat to Helmet
Eibner’s day job in construction has taught her the value of teamwork, precision, and resilience — qualities she now brings to the rink. She balances the demands of managing a crew with raising three young children in Belmont Greene, a neighborhood just minutes from the Ice House, while still finding time to lead her teammates through grueling drills.
The Flying V’s inaugural season was marked by unconventional touches: the echo of bagpipes during warm‑ups, the scent of fresh bread baked by a teammate, and the rhythmic duck calls that punctuate the ice. These elements, Eibner says, are not gimmicks but ways to foster unity and keep the atmosphere light amid the sport’s inherent difficulty.
Beyond the rink, the team has become a beacon for young girls in the region, offering clinics and mentorship that showcase hockey as an accessible, inclusive pursuit. Their story, documented on Ashburn Magazine’s website, continues to attract attention and inspire similar initiatives across the country.