The Washington Capitals have partnered with the U.S. Women’s National Ball Hockey Team to bring female hockey to the District. In conjunction with the ALL CAPS ALL HER program launched by the Capitals in 2021, the partnership will bring a handful of ball hockey-focused events to DC, Maryland, and Virginia (The DMV). First and foremost, the Washington Capitals will serve as the presenting sponsor for the Women’s National Ball Hockey Team’s final evaluation camp, which takes place September 9th-10th in Pittsburgh, PA.
Girls’ Ball Hockey Events
In addition, ALL CAPS ALL HER will be hosting a series of off-ice events to make ball hockey more accessible to young girls in the area, beginning with a “Girls Try Ball Hockey for Free” clinic on October 8th. Hosted in Germantown, MD, the clinic will allow girls ages 5-17 to get a taste of ball hockey and be taught by the Capitals’ youth hockey development staff alongside members and coaches of the U.S. Women’s National Team. You can learn more and register for the program here.
ALL CAPS ALL HER will also be launching a new “Sticks and Sneakers Learn to Play” program, which allows first-time players, ages 5-14, to receive equipment, fundamental hockey skills instruction, and a chance to play in a fun and supportive environment. The program costs just $49, making it highly accessible to many hockey-loving girls in the DMV– a huge step from the Capitals in the direction of making hockey for everyone! The Sticks and Sneakers program will take place on Saturdays from October 14th to November 4th. Register here.
The ALL CAPS ALL HER Initiative
These events are part of ALL CAPS ALL HER’s continued initiatives in making hockey– and especially girls’ and women’s hockey– more accessible and appreciated. The program works to recognize and support female players, coaches, referees, parents, and others within the Washington, DC hockey community. Through events, content, and programs, ALL CAPS ALL HER aims to provide various types and levels of entry into the world of hockey for girls and women of all ages. Along with on-ice hockey programs, the initiative also offers leadership development and networking opportunities for girls and women who aspire to be involved in the hockey community off the ice.
USA Ball Hockey
USA Ball Hockey is the leading ball hockey organization in the country and is tasked with selecting the national teams that will represent the United States at the International Street and Ball Hockey Federation’s World Championships, which take place in June 2024 in Switzerland. Through programs, clinics, and other events, USA Ball Hockey aims to develop players, coaches, and officials to play at the highest level.
Making Strides for Women’s Hockey
As women’s hockey, and women’s sports in general, are becoming more desired and popular, it is fantastic to see the Capitals and USA Ball Hockey working to develop the next generation of female players. Hopefully, the idea will spread to other teams throughout the league and become a widespread initiative throughout the NHL. Hockey truly is for everyone, and the Capitals are taking big strides to make sure that statement remains true for generations to come.
