The Washington Capitals, in partnership with the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation and the Potomac Valley Amateur Hockey Association, have announced the inaugural DMV Girls Hockey Weekend, scheduled for September 12‑13 at 18 rinks spanning Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia. The event, which offers free on‑ice sessions for girls between four and nine years old, marks the first coordinated effort to introduce young females to hockey across the region.
Funding for the weekend comes from a $32,991 grant provided by the MSE Foundation, enabling participants to borrow equipment for a one‑ to two‑hour ice session. Organizers say the initiative builds on the success of USA Hockey’s Try Hockey for Free program, which has seen a surge in participation across the Washington, D.C., area since the Capitals drafted Alex Ovechkin.
Growing the Game: A New Era for Girls’ Hockey in the DMV
Eighteen local clubs have confirmed their involvement, including Ashburn Ice House, Caps Academy at MedStar Capitals Iceplex, and the Reston Raiders in Virginia, as well as the Baltimore Youth Hockey Club, Bowie Hockey Club, and the Southern Maryland Sabres in Maryland. Each site will host a series of drills and small‑scale games designed to teach basic skills in a supportive environment.
Beyond the weekend, the Capitals Youth Hockey Development team continues to expand its programming, aiming to replicate the model in future seasons. Last year’s pilot engaged more than 630 girls, and subsequent data showed an 8 percent rise in enrollment in the Future Caps Learn to Play program, underscoring the event’s impact on grassroots growth.
USA Hockey reports that youth and adult registrations in the District have climbed by over 220 percent since the 2005‑06 season, while female participation across D.C., Maryland and Virginia has surged by 225 percent. The Southeastern District, encompassing the three jurisdictions, ranked No. 1 in registration for the 2025‑26 season, reflecting the region’s growing appetite for the sport.
With a clear pathway from introductory sessions to competitive play, the Capitals and their partners hope to sustain momentum, ensuring that the next generation of girls sees hockey as an accessible and thriving option in the nation’s capital.