Little Caps and TPH Academy Team Up to Create the Region’s Most Advanced Development Environment

A Letter to DMV Hockey Families from Craig Desjarlais

Dear Hockey Families,

For years, elite youth hockey in the DMV has come with a familiar routine—long commutes, late-night practices, and homework that stretches well into the evening. Families have made incredible sacrifices to support their athletes’ development and dreams.

Today, we’re excited to share a new path forward.

With the launch of TPH Academy Virginia at ION: International Training Center in Leesburg, the Washington Little Capitals are stepping into a new era of development. Beginning in the 2026-2027 season, the Little Caps 16U team will participate in a Team Academy model: a fully integrated experience designed to mirror the lifestyle of Division I and professional hockey, built specifically for student-athletes.

This model is built around a simple philosophy: Study. Train. Play.

When academics, athletic development, and team training happen within one focused environment, student-athletes can truly maximize their potential while maintaining balance in their lives. Through this partnership, players will experience a daily schedule that blends NCAA-accredited academics, elite sports performance training, individual skill development, and full team practices into one intentional day.

One of the most exciting parts of the program is what we call the “6:00 PM Promise.”

By early evening, players will have completed their schoolwork, strength and conditioning, skill development, and team training. While many athletes across the country are just beginning the commute to the rink or starting hours of homework, our players will already be finished with their day.

That means more time for recovery, rest, family dinners, and the balance that teenagers need to thrive.

My partner, Doug Shepherd, and I share the excitement of the Little Caps leadership, and Executive Director Mike Donnellan wanted to share this message with the community:

“We are extremely excited to partner with TPH and are grateful for their belief in the Little Capitals. TPH’s proven track record and history of success in elite player development align perfectly with our mission of ascending players to the junior, collegiate, and professional ranks. This is a major step forward for the Washington Little Capitals and will significantly strengthen our recruiting and player retention. We are committed to keeping our best at home for as long as possible, and this partnership allows our athletes to receive world-class training right from our home rink."

Beyond the daily structure, the Team Academy model transforms how teams develop together. By spending their days training and learning side-by-side, players build chemistry, accountability, and a shared culture that traditional schedules often struggle to create.

Just as importantly, the program prioritizes the whole person, not just the hockey player. Alongside elite training, student-athletes will receive mentorship, leadership development, and personal growth opportunities that prepare them for success at the next level.

This partnership represents more than just a new program; it represents a new standard for hockey development in the DMV.

I’m incredibly grateful to the Little Capitals organization for their vision and commitment to their athletes, and proud of the role TPH Academy will play in helping elevate hockey across our region.

I can’t wait to watch this next chapter unfold and see what the 2010 Little Caps accomplish as they become the first team to experience this model.

The future of hockey in the DMV is incredibly bright.

With gratitude,

Craig Desjarlais
Managing Partner & Director
TPH Academy Virginia