Architects of Development: Little Capitals Name Cody Dion as Head Coach for 2026-27 Team Academy Model
The evolution of the Washington Little Capitals’ 16U program has taken a significant leap forward as the Little Caps have officially named Cody Dion as Head Coach and Ian Voit as Associate Head Coach for the 2026-2027 season.
This announcement marks a turning point for the DMV hockey landscape, as the “Team Academy” model at ION International Training Center now has the professional leadership to match its world-class infrastructure.
By placing two coaches with deep professional and developmental pedigrees at the helm, TPH and the Little Caps are offering a localized alternative to the traditional prep school or junior hockey migration that often pulls elite 16-year-olds away from home.
Photo Credit: Dennis Sievers/Peoria Rivermen
For Head Coach Cody Dion, this role is about more than drawing plays on a whiteboard; it is about establishing a “Pro Standard” in a youth environment. With a decade-long professional playing career that included an SPHL President’s Cup championship with the Peoria Rivermen, Dion brings a leadership presence and an elite work ethic that is expected to define the culture of the 16U team. Most recently, Dion served as the 15U AAA Head Coach for the Colorado Rampage, where he was recognized for his ability to instill the daily habits necessary for Tier 1 success.
Dion views the Team Academy model as an elite environment where development isn’t restricted to a two-hour evening window, but is instead a continuous daily process.
“My goal isn’t to just win hockey games; it’s to build ‘Next-Level’ players,” shared Dion. “In this Team Academy model, I get to be with these athletes every single day. We aren’t only correcting a stride or a shot once a week; we are building professional habits in the gym, in the video room, and on the ice. When these boys leave our room, they will be prepared for the physical and mental demands of juniors, college hockey, and beyond.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Cody to the WLC family,” shared Little Caps Executive Director Mike Donnellan. “His playing background, leadership qualities, and proven ability to develop players at the Tier 1 level make him the ideal choice to lead our 16U program. As we continue to strengthen our recruiting efforts, Cody’s experience and vision will be instrumental in elevating our standards.”
The integration of Dion and Voit into the TPH ecosystem drastically improves a player’s recruitment and exposure trajectory. With Managing Partners like Doug Shepherd and Craig Desjarlais overseeing the program, the coaching staff is positioned to advocate for their athletes using sophisticated data and performance metrics that scouts at the next level prioritize.
As TPH Virginia Director Craig Desjarlais noted, “We aren’t asking you to join a team; we are inviting you to join an elite development environment. With Cody at the helm, we are bringing a level of intensity and professional structure that has not previously been available to 16U players in our region while they remain living at home.”
As the 2026-2027 season approaches, the message to the market is clear: the Washington Little Capitals and TPH Academy are committed to keeping the region’s best talent at home by providing a development engine that is second to none. The 16U Team Academy model is designed for families who are serious about long-term development and the next level. To learn more about the Little Caps 16U program and team structure, contact Head Coach Cody Dion. To learn more about TPH Academy Virginia, academics, and the full-time development environment, contact Craig Desjarlais.
About TPH Academy:
TPH Academy is an academy-style, focused environment where dedicated student-athletes study, train, and play at their highest potential. TPH Academy’s core purpose is to lead the world in the holistic development of student-athletes, advancing – in and beyond the game – the next generation of impact players. For more information about TPH Academy, please visit tphacademy.com and check out the 2024-2025 TPH Academy Impact Report.