Capitals Learn To Play Program Returns At Virginia, Maryland Ice Rinks

WASHINGTON, DC — Children who have their sights set on becoming the next Alex Ovechkin can start their journey with a Learn to Play program at local rinks. The Washington Capitals' Future Caps Learn to Play will return for the 2022-2023 season with locations at Virginia and Maryland rinks.

The Learn to Play program, a joint effort between the National Hockey League Players’ Association and the National Hockey League, is a program for first-time ice hockey participants to learn skills to help on and off the ice. Children ages 5 to 9 are eligible for the program, which includes ice hockey equipment, age-appropriate on-ice instruction, and coaching. Participants receive a helmet, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, pants, shin pads, socks, skates, jersey, stick, equipment bag and a Caps Kids Club membership and kit. Participants who have been part of a previous Learn to Play program are not eligible to register again.

The main goal of Learn to Play is increasing access to and participation in ice hockey. Since the program started in 2016, over 6,800 local youth have been introduced to ice hockey. Last year's program had over 900 participants.

"The Washington Capitals provide the gold standard experience for youth players new to the game of hockey through the Future Caps program," said Matt Herr, the NHL's senior director of youth hockey and industry growth. "The Capitals and their NHL Alumni have been committed since the inception of the NHL & NHLPA Learn to Play program to providing a welcoming atmosphere for all individuals that would like to play the game of hockey."

The Capitals Learn to Play program, presented by World Wide Technology, features lesson plans from the Capitals Youth Hockey Development Department in coordination with select Capitals alumni. New alumni ambassadors this year are Karl Alzner and Team USA Gold Medalist Hayley Scamurra, who join Capitals alumni Craig Laughlin, Alan May and Paul Mulvey as ambassadors.

While hockey equipment alone can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, the Learn to Play aims to provide an affordable option for families. Program fees range from $249 to $349 depending on the venue. Schedules also vary by location.

Participating locations include:

• Ashburn Ice House: 21595 Smith Switch Road, Ashburn VA, 20147
• Bowie Ice Arena: 3330 Northview Dr, Bowie MD, 20715
• Easton - Talbot County Ice Rink: 10028 Ocean Gateway, Easton MD, 21601
• Hagerstown Ice & Sports Complex: 580 Security Road, Hagerstown MD, 21740
• Haymarket IcePlex: 15155 Washington St., Haymarket VA, 20169
• Ice World: 1300 Governor Ct, Abingdon MD, 21009
• Ion International Training Center: 19201 Compass Creek Pkwy SE, Leesburg VA, 20175
• MedStar Capitals Iceplex: 627 N. Glebe Rd #800, Arlington VA, 22203
• Navy - McMullen Hockey Arena at Brigade Sports Complex: 64 Greenbury Point Rd, Annapolis MD, 21402
• Powhatan Ice Den: 1580 Oakbridge Terrace, Powhatan VA, 23139
• Prince William Ice Center: 5150 Dale Blvd, Dale City VA, 22193
• Richmond Ice Zone: 636 Johnston Willis Drive, Richmond VA, 23236
• Rockville Ice Arena: 50 Southlawn Court, Rockville MD, 20850
• SkateQuest: 1800 MIchael Faraday Ct, Reston VA, 20190
• The St. James: 6805 Industrial Rd, Springfield VA, 22151

Registration and more information are provided at WashCaps.com/FutureCaps.