Little Caps Moving Operations To Leesburg Training Complex

LEESBURG, VA — The Washington Little Caps, a Triple-A youth hockey program, are moving their operations from the MedStar Capitals Iceplex in Arlington to the Ion International Training Center at Compass Creek in Leesburg. The Washington Little Caps, which includes teenage players, is part of the Atlantic Metropolitan Hockey League.

The Ion Training Center, which opened last June, has two NHL-size skating rinks and plans for two more. One of the existing rinks is surrounded by 5,500 seats. All team operations will be moved to Ion for the Little Caps next season, which begins in August.

The Little Caps, the only Triple-A hockey program in Northern Virginia, has players who range in age from 12 to 18. Ion already has Single and Double-A hockey clubs playing at the facility.

"Our focus has always been on athletes and their development. We believe that winning should not be the focus of the program but the byproduct. Fortunately for us, the Washington Little Caps share this same philosophy," Ion said in a statement.

The Little Caps have played and practiced at the MedStar Capitals Iceplex, formerly known as the Kettler Capitals Iceplex, for 15 years, but that contract expires in April, the Washington Business Journal reported. The Little Caps reached out to Ion to secure a deal, the terms of which were not disclosed, according to the report.