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future caps learn to play
Future Caps is a Learn to Play initiative developed in collaboration with the National Hockey League (NHL) and National Hockey League Player's Association (NHLPA). The NHL and NHLPA have identified the need for a unified growth strategy as a priority for the sport of hockey. The Future Caps Learn to Play program aims to be the gold standard for youth hockey programs with the goal of inspiring more families to join the hockey community. Learn to Play changes the way youth hockey is offered by providing first-time participants free head-to-toe equipment, eight (8) classes of age appropriate on-ice instruction, and certified coaching in a fun and safe atmosphere. We look forward to seeing you on the ice!
PROGRAM DETAILS
- To be eligible for the Future Caps Learn to Play program, children registering must be between the ages of 5-9 by the first class
- The Future Caps Learn to Play program is intended for first-time players who are completely new to the sport and who have not participated in an organized ice hoceky program before
- Players with previous organized ice hockey experience and/or who have obtained a USA Hockey membership number in the past are ineligible
- Players may only complete the Future Caps Learn to Play program once (one eight-class session) and may not complete the program multiple times
- Players are required to have completed a Learn to Skate program at a local rink prior to registering for the Future Caps Learn to Play program
- All players must have basic foundational skating skills (ex: can skate across the ice without "marching," can fall and get up unassisted)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
All players that participate in the 2025-26 Future Caps Learn to Play program receive:
- FREE set of head-to-toe ice hockey equipment, including:
- Skates
- Shoulder pads
- Elbow pads
- Hockey gloves
- Hockey pants
- Shin guards
- Program jersey
- Socks
- Stick
- Helmet
- Neck guard
- USA Hockey 2024-25 membership
- Visits from Capitals Alumni & Female Hockey Ambassadors
- Graduation certificate
Faq
General
The National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Hockey League Players' Association (NHLPA) have identified the need for a unified growth strategy as a priority for the sport of hockey. The Learn to Play initiative aims to be the gold standard for youth hockey programs with the goal of inspiring more families to join the hockey community. Learn to Play changes the way youth hockey is offered by providing first-time participants free head-to-toe equipment, eight (8) classes of age appropriate on-ice instruction, and certified coaching in a fun and safe atmosphere.
The program provides FREE head-to-toe equipment for your child to keep as they continue exploring youth hockey. However, there is a participation fee associated with the program which offsets ice and coaching expenses. The participation fee may vary by facility.
The Future Caps Learn to Play program is offered to new, first-time participants (boys and girls), between the ages of five (5) to nine (9). Participants must not have been previously registered with USA Hockey or previously participated in a hockey league/program (house/rec league, learn to play, mini-mites, camps, etc.). Participants must have skating competency and are encouraged to complete a Learn to Skate class through their local rink prior to enrolling in Future Caps.
- Must be between 5-9 years-old as of the program's first class
- Learn to Skate 1
* If the Washington Capitals become aware that a registered child has previous hockey league/program experience, the child will be removed from the Future Caps program and the guardians will be charged the full retail price for the equipment.
It is strongly recommended that participants complete a Learn to Skate class through their local rink prior to enrolling in Future Caps. Many rinks in DC, Maryland, and Virginia have regular ice skating sessions which are open to the public and are a great way to gain experience and confidence on the ice. For those looking to register for a Learn to Skate program, please contact your local rink. For a full list of Capitals Rink Partners, visit https://www.nhl.com/capitals/info/rink-partners.
The Future Caps Learn to Play program is offered at various local rinks (subject to change). For a list of participating rinks and Future Caps sessions, please CLICK HERE.
- Must be between 5-9 years-old as of the program's first class
- Learn to Skate 1
* If the Washington Capitals become aware that a registered child has previous hockey league/program experience, the child will be removed from the Future Caps program and the guardians will be charged the full retail price for the equipment.
Registration
Visit www.learntoplay.nhl.com/capitals and select the rink and session you would like to register for. Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation e-mail with next steps. Please check your SPAM or PROMOTIONS folder as this e-mail may not arrive straight to your inbox.
We are sorry to hear that! We will consider refunds on a case-by-case basis. There are no refunds if a player has received their equipment and/or if the class has already begun. Please e-mail youthhockey@washcaps.com with any questions.
We have waitlists for all Future Caps programs. If you are interested in a session that is full, please register for the waitlist. We will do our best to contact participants on the waitlist as new spots open up.
I have two children. Will they be in the same session?
If you successfully registered your children for the same session, then yes. All participants will be on the ice at the same time. Coaches may split the class into groups for drills throughout the program.
No! During your session, you will get an e-mail with your USA Hockey number, so do not register your child yourself for USA Hockey. USA Hockey is the governing body of ice hockey in the United States.
On-Ice Sessions
New hockey players and parents might need some extra time to get your child dressed in their equipment, so we recommend arriving 30 minutes before the class starts.
IF YOU ARE REGISTERED FOR A PROGAM PLEASE CONTACT YOUR RINK FOR FINAL INSTRUCTIONS ON ARRIVAL, RINK ENTRY AND ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS.
Please make sure to let your Coach know that you will not be attending a certain class. There no make up classes.
Equipment
Upon registration, each participant will receive complimentary head-to-toe equipment from CCM and/or Bauer.
When ordering equipment online, sizing guides and video tutorials will be provided as a reference for help if needed.
The equipment provided includes: a helmet with cage, shoulder pads, elbow pads, hockey pants, shin guards, gloves, hockey skates, a hockey stick, hockey tape, jersey, socks, and an equipment bag.
Participants will be required to purchase their own neck guard, mouth guard, and athletic supporter (jock/jill). All equipment is required to be worn during on-ice sessions. Participants keep the equipment upon graduating from the Future Caps program.
Please make sure to let your Coach know that you will not be attending a certain class. There no make up classes.
How do I get my child's equipment?
Pure Hockey has two locations in the area:
- Sterling, VA
- Rockville, MD
In-person fitting sessions are offered based on the program's timeframe
*EQUIPMENT FITTING INFORMATION LINKS WILL BE IN THE FUTURE CAPS REGISTRATION CONFIRMATION EMAIL*
Next Steps/Continue to Play
The Washington Capitals encourage all Future Caps participants to continue playing hockey! Talk to your Coach or Rink Director for the best next step program after Future Caps graduation.
No. The Future Caps Learn to Play program is offered only to new, first-time participants. Sessions are not progressive and participants may only register for one session (Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer).
program ambassadors
Paul Mulvey
Washington Capitals Alum (1978–1981)
Craig Laughlin
Washington Capitals Alum (1982–1988)
Alan May
Washington Capitals Alum (1989–1994)
Karl Alzner
Washington Capitals Alum (2008–2019)
Zoey Pellowitz
NCAA Player/Coach & USA Maccabi Games Medalist
Kendall Miller
NCAA Player & All Caps All Her Ambassador