Watch Tomorrow’s Capitals Up Close at Development Camp

If you’ve ever wanted to watch NHL-caliber hockey talent up close without paying arena prices — or fighting for a seat — the Washington Capitals’ annual Development Camp is one of the best-kept secrets on Arlington’s summer calendar. Held each July at MedStar Capitals Iceplex in Ballston, Development Camp is a week-long series of on- and off-ice sessions designed to help Capitals prospects sharpen their skills and learn from the organization’s coaches and staff, with attendees including prospects under contract, recent draft picks not yet signed, and several undrafted free agent players — a mix that makes for genuinely compelling watching. All on-ice sessions are free and open to the public, and the Iceplex’s intimate two-rink setup means you’re watching from just feet away from players who may be wearing a Capitals sweater within the next few seasons. The week typically concludes with a fast-paced 3-on-3 tournament on the final Saturday morning — one of the most exciting and fan-friendly sessions of the entire camp.

The camp also offers something special for young hockey players in the community. The Capitals Youth Hockey Development Department partners with development camp attendees to host a free on-ice clinic for local youth players ages 6–12, running skill stations and small-area games guided by the organization’s own prospects and coaching staff — a genuinely rare opportunity for kids to share the ice with future NHL players. And if Development Camp isn’t enough, the Capitals’ full Training Camp each September — now in its 18th year at MedStar Capitals Iceplex — is also free and open to the public for all on-ice sessions bringing the full NHL roster to Ballston before the regular season begins. Check the Capitals’ official schedule each June for Development Camp dates and the full session schedule at nhl.com/capitals, and follow medstarcapitalsiceplex.com for any public access updates.