The Washington Capitals’ “ALL CAPS ALL HER” Summer Hockey Camp received a thrilling boost when head coach Spencer Carbery made a surprise appearance. Held at the Capitals MedStar Iceplex, the event featured dozens of young female hockey players from the local area.
Carbery joined the group on the ice, sharing words of encouragement, giving a motivating pep talk, and engaging with the participants through fist bumps, showing his commitment to supporting youth development in the sport.
Coach Carbery Balances Team Leadership with Personal Support for Youth and Women’s Hockey
Carbery’s presence at the camp came just over a month before the Capitals are scheduled to begin their 2025–26 training camp. Entering his third year as head coach, Carbery aims to guide the team to another strong season following their recent success in the Eastern Conference.
His involvement with the camp also reflects a personal investment in youth hockey both of his children, including his daughter Vivian, play the sport and have been seen on the ice with him during past Capitals practices.
Spencer Carbery (NHL)The “ALL CAPS ALL HER” initiative is a key part of the Capitals’ mission to support and expand women’s hockey in the Washington D.C. area. According to the team’s website, the program focuses on creating more opportunities for women and girls to get involved in the sport, while also recognizing the important roles that female players, coaches, parents, advocates, and community leaders play. The initiative is committed to removing obstacles and fostering a more inclusive environment within the hockey world.
Expanding Access and Representation Through Inclusive Programs and Groundbreaking Leadership in Hockey
The Capitals’ commitment to inclusion is highlighted through the initiative’s “four pillars” of access, which serve female, non-binary, transgender, and gender fluid individuals. These include adult and youth camps, coaching and referee development, professional networking opportunities, and family engagement.
By addressing these key areas, the program ensures that a broad range of participants can find opportunities to get involved and grow within the hockey community.
The organization has made notable strides in promoting gender equity in hockey. A landmark moment came in 2022 when the Capitals hired Emily Engel-Natzke as their video coach, making her the first woman to hold a full-time NHL coaching position.
Through programs like “ALL CAPS ALL HER” and inclusive hiring practices, the Capitals continue to lead by example, demonstrating that hockey is a sport for everyone and inspiring the next generation of female players and leaders.
