The Washington Little Capitals was born as a Tier 1 only club in 1983.  We are proud to continue that tradition and provide elite players the opportunity to practice at the ION International Training Center and play in the Atlantic Youth Hockey League (AYHL) and Tier 1 Elite Hockey League (T1EHL). 

Our professional approach is to create a well organized, energetic, fast-paced, intense, and competitive practice session each and every day.  We want our players to be able to participate in challenging progressive drills that push them to move out of their comfort zone while simultaneously moving their feet and handling a puck, forcing them to also work on their vision skills.  Our on-ice practices are dedicated to individual and team development.  It is our belief that the better we can develop each individual player, the more success our teams will have.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

WLC Youth Teams:

• PeeWee and Bantam teams
• Average of 2.66 team practices per week
• Average of 3 hours per week on-ice
• Rotating 6-week practice cycle (read more here)
• 45-55 games per season
• Participation in the highly competitive AYHL & T1EHL
• Minimum 3 showcase tournaments
• Dedicated Strength & Conditioning and Goalie Coaches
• Access to classrooms for off-ice instruction and video discussion
• Individual player reviews and feedback to help promote development.

WLC Midget Teams:

• Average of 3 team practices per week
• Average of 3 hours per week on-ice
• Rotating 6-week practice cycle (read more here)
• 55 - 60 games per season.
• Participation in the highly competitive AYHL & T1EHL
• 4 -6 showcase tournaments
• Dedicated Strength & Conditioning and Goalie Coaches
• Access to classrooms for off-ice instruction and video discussion
• Individual player reviews and feedback to help promote development.

We intend to refocus the energy that is wasted on the politics of youth hockey to on ice development of our players and teams.  We see a huge potential in the volume of players that currently play youth hockey in the Washington D.C. area. 

We will not promise that all of our players will play in the NHL.    We will promise this:

• Quality coaches and a commitment to player development through highly demanding and competitive practices
• Athletic excellence to build and develop solid foundations of hockey skills
• Academic excellence to support the academic programs of the student-athlete
• Personal development to support the development of a well-balanced lifestyle for players, encouraging emotional well-being, personal growth and decision-making skills
• Community service to engage the player in service to surrounding communities.  Hockey is a life long sport and our players will learn the importance of giving back and supporting younger generations of hockey players.
   

WLC is further committed to:

-Providing an environment that promotes the development of values, goal setting and responsible decision-making
-Continuously evaluating and supporting our players
-Providing opportunities and letting our players understand the importance of being part of this program, including present players and alumni
-Implementing the latest skill training proven to enhance performance.  We will combine the core values of attitude, work ethic, and discipline to pursue hockey excellence. Our players will  train daily on self-discipline, mental toughness, positive attitude, team leadership and balance to achieve maximum confidence.
-Design our program to create a passion for working hard and celebrate the victory of our accomplishments.

Be part of moving youth hockey in a positive direction with the Washington Little Capitals.

To provide a competitive, innovative hockey culture which improves each player’s skills and increases performance, while developing self-confidence, respect for the game, and fostering teamwork in our players. WLC is committed to our players and teaching life-skills through individual and team concepts resulting in a life-long enjoyment of hockey.  

In addition, we provide support to the growth and progression of our players by providing a quality environment for learning the game of hockey by teaching - 

The value of preparation, discipline, and hard work to succeed in life's competitive endeavors.

Long-term athletic development- learning new skills step-by-step at an accelerated pace.

The high expectations of our program incorporate being the best on the ice as well as living a balanced life