Photo from a Hockey and Heels session. (Cory Lyons)
The Washington Capitals announced a new initiative Monday called ALL CAPS ALL HER. It is a program that aims to provide access to hockey and elevate the game for women and girls throughout the Washington D.C. area. It is being launched with the support of the NHL, National Hockey League Players’ Association, USA Hockey, MedStar, Capitals Iceplex, Potomac Valley Amateur Hockey Association, Chesapeake Bay Hockey League, Washington Pride, DMV Women’s Hockey and Black Girl Hockey Club.
“Hockey is a better sport and a stronger community when women are empowered to make their mark on the game, from the ice to the boardroom,” said Kim Davis, NHL senior executive vice president of social impact, growth initiatives, and legislative affairs. “By creating intentional pathways for women and girls in hockey, the Capitals are supporting and highlighting female leaders who will help move the game forward both now and in the future.”
ALL CAPS ALL HER is designed to encourage female players through a variety of events and programs that will build confidence, develop team skills and provide leadership opportunities. In addition, the initiative will support coaches, referees, parents, advocates, students and leaders in the business community.
The 2021-22 initiative includes:
- Entry-level youth and adult hockey programs including Learn to Play (girls 10-14, adults 18 & up) and an all-female adult Learn to Skate series.
- Various summer activities, including the Skarupa Skills Summer Camp, hosted by Capitals Hockey Ambassador and Team USA Olympian Haley Skarupa.
- Working closely with adult players and organizations within the D.C. community such as the newly-branded Capitals Women’s Hockey League to grow and promote female adult hockey participation.
- Events to educate women in business development, sports management and leadership. Participants will have the opportunity to network with female executives at Monumental Sports and Entertainment, local females in the sports industry and sports management educators.
These dedicated programs aim to add new players to the growing female hockey population and support current players in the Washington market. To bring awareness to ALL CAPS ALL HER, the Capitals will be hosting Women in Hockey Night on March 28th (Caps vs. Carolina Hurricanes) to celebrate the contributions of female hockey players, leaders and role models who help shape the game throughout the greater Washington D.C. region.
