Key Takeaways
The Capitals Street Hockey League (CSHL) will run March through May 2026 at three locations across Virginia, Maryland, and D.C. for players ages 5-12
Registration costs $149-179 depending on location, with no prior hockey experience or equipment required to participate
USA Hockey-registered players in the Washington D.C. area increased 186% from 2005-06 through 2024-25, reaching a 70% growth rate across the broader region
The league offers three age divisions playing two games per weekend during the 8-week season, with teams ranging from 6-10 players
The Capitals have built or refurbished 14 outdoor street and inline hockey rinks across the DMV to support participation growth
Structured Competition Coming to Street Hockey
The Washington Capitals are converting informal street hockey into organized league play with the launch of the Capitals Street Hockey League (CSHL). The inaugural season runs from March through May 2026 at three regional locations: Lake Fairfax Park in Reston, Virginia; Francis C. Hammond Middle School in Alexandria; and Ridge Road Recreational Park in Germantown, Maryland.
The coed league divides players into three age groups: 5-6 year-olds, 7-8 year-olds, and 9-12 year-olds. All divisions play simultaneously at their designated locations during the 8-week season, with each team scheduled for two games per weekend. Teams consist of 6-10 players, and the organization will place individual registrants on teams as needed.
Low Barrier to Entry for New Players
The league eliminates two common obstacles to youth hockey participation: cost and equipment requirements. Registration ranges from $149-179 depending on location and includes a team t-shirt. The Capitals are offering a 15% discount for December registrations.
No prior hockey experience is required, and players don’t need to purchase equipment to participate. This approach aligns with the team’s stated goal of creating a “fun, low-stress environment” for youth athletes exploring the sport.
Regional Infrastructure Supports Participation Growth
The Capitals have invested in physical infrastructure across the region, building or refurbishing 14 outdoor street and inline hockey rinks in Virginia, Maryland, D.C., and West Virginia. This facility development supports the team’s portfolio of more than 30 hockey programming options, spanning both on-ice and off-ice formats.
The infrastructure investment corresponds with documented participation increases. USA Hockey-registered players in the Washington D.C. area climbed 186% from the 2005-06 season through 2024-25. The broader regional growth rate reached 70% during the same 19-year period.
Expanding the Player Pipeline
The CSHL adds a structured entry point for players ages 5-12 who may be testing interest in hockey without committing to full ice hockey programs. By operating at outdoor street hockey facilities rather than ice rinks, the league reduces facility access barriers while maintaining organized competition and skill development.
The March 2026 launch gives the Capitals a spring and early summer season that doesn’t compete directly with traditional ice hockey schedules. The three-location model covers northern Virginia, suburban Maryland, and Alexandria, creating geographic accessibility across the metro region.
via: WTOP
photo: My MC Media
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