Girls from Montgomery County will have the opportunity to shoot pucks at an ice rink in Rockville this September as part of the Washington Capitals DMV Girls Hockey Free Trial Day.
“When I was a young girl… [you’re] “I want to try soccer, gymnastics, dance, basketball, swimming,” says Jesse Thompson, senior manager of youth hockey for the Washington Capitals, “and I'd like to add hockey to that list.”
According to a press release, registration is now open for the second annual event, which offers girls ages 4 to 9 the opportunity to try out ice hockey for a free one- or two-hour session. No experience required.
Thompson said in an interview with MoCo360 on Tuesday that equipment can total more than $500, making playing hockey too expensive for many.
“This is a really great opportunity for young girls to try out a fairly scary sport completely free of charge in a really safe, fun and encouraging atmosphere,” Thompson said.
The event will take place at 20 ice rinks across Maryland and Virginia on September 14. In Montgomery County, it will take place from 1:20 to 3:00 pm at the Rockville Ice Arena, 50 South Lawn Court in Rockville.
The free event is a collaboration between the Washington Capitals, Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation, the Potomac Valley Amateur Hockey Association and youth hockey organizations, including the Montgomery Youth Hockey Association this year. While local organizations put on events for girls in the DMV, Try Hockey for Free is a national program run through USA Hockey.
Thompson said a $34,373 donation to the Potomac Valley Association through a partnership with the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation will allow the rink to host the event without having to pay for coaches, ice time or refreshments.
The free hockey day not only introduces young people to the sport, but also provides local youth organizations, such as the Montgomery Youth Hockey Association, an opportunity to gain new players and connect with interested families.
Last year, during the program's first year, more than 300 girls from across the region participated in the event, with 30 percent of participants going on to play hockey, according to a press release.
Thompson said the number of girls participating in the Capitals' Future Caps Learn to Play program increased from 14 percent to 27 percent within a week of last year's free hockey trial event.
Over the past 15 seasons, participation in women's hockey in the United States has increased by 65%, according to USA Hockey.
“[Hockey] “It's become incredibly popular with young women,” Thompson says, “and we're trying to be as in tune with the moment as possible.”
Participants will be provided with equipment by the youth organization, but availability will vary by venue. Those interested in the program can register at capsyouthhockey.com/girlsthff.
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