The Washington Capitals have announced two initiatives aimed at growing youth hockey in our region, as well as to promote growth and mentorship to those already in the sport.  

The Capitals recently announced the launch of the Capitals Rising Stars Academy, a co-ed program established to provide elite skill development and mentorship for local hockey players of color. The inaugural Rising Stars Academy will take place Aug. 19-20, with an emphasis on physical and mental strength as well as social discussions around hockey culture. The Rising Stars Academy is offered at no cost to participants.

Registration is now open at washcaps.com/risingstars for local players ages 9-17 (USA Hockey birth years between 2006 - 2014). The academy is focused on elite skill development for travel players and high-level house players. All participants must be registered with USA Hockey for the 2023-2024 season.

Registration is now open for the inaugural DMV Girls Try Hockey For Free Day at 14 rinks across Maryland and Virginia. The DMV Girls Try Hockey for Free Day is a joint effort between the Washington Capitals, Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation, the Potomac Valley Amateur Hockey Association (PVAHA), and various youth hockey organizations throughout the region to introduce girls ages 4-9 to hockey at no cost. Click here to register.

DMV Girls Try Hockey For Free Day will take place on Saturday, Sept. 23 with the support of 14 local clubs. Try Hockey for Free is a USA Hockey Program that provides local youth the chance to try hockey during a one-to-two-hour ice session at no cost. All required equipment is loaned to participants through the local youth hockey organization. Try Hockey for Free days also provide local youth hockey associations with a platform and opportunity to acquire new players locally and engage interested families into youth hockey programs across the region.