Washington Capitals & ACHA - Next Gen Collegiate Hockey Combine

ABOUT THIS ENTRY

The Capitals Next Gen Collegiate Hockey Combine is a first-of-its-kind initiative created through a strategic partnership between the Washington Capitals and the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) to connect high school hockey players with collegiate club hockey opportunities. 

In 2025, the program celebrated its 18th year and underwent its first major rebrand in nearly two decades—transforming the long-running College Hockey Combine & Fair into the Next Gen Collegiate Hockey Combine. The refreshed identity strengthened the collaboration between the Capitals and the ACHA while modernizing the experience for student-athletes and families. 

How does this represent "Excellence in Engagement"?

The Capitals Next Gen Collegiate Hockey Combine is the product of a nearly two-decade partnership between the Capitals and the ACHA—a collaboration dedicated to expanding opportunities for the next generation of hockey players. 

For 18 years, the Capitals and ACHA have worked together to build a platform that connects high school student-athletes directly with collegiate club hockey programs. What began as a traditional college fair transformed into a comprehensive experience that educates players about continuing their hockey careers while pursuing higher education. 

The 2025 Next Gen Collegiate Hockey Combine rebrand reinforced this partnership by placing the Capitals and ACHA collaboration at the center of the event identity. Together, the organizations created an experience that blends elite evaluation, direct recruiting access, and educational resources—ensuring players leave with both exposure and a deeper understanding of the collegiate club hockey pathway. 

This sustained partnership sets a benchmark for how professional teams and collegiate governing bodies can work together to grow the sport. By leveraging the Capitals’ NHL platform alongside the ACHA’s national network of programs, the initiative expands access, strengthens the hockey pipeline, and ensures that student-athletes know their opportunities to play the game they love don’t end after high school.

Objective

The primary objective behind the Capitals Next Gen Collegiate Hockey Combine was to bridge the information and opportunity gap that exists for many high school hockey players exploring their future in the sport. 

While thousands of student-athletes graduate from youth and high school hockey each year, many are unaware that ACHA collegiate club hockey provides a competitive and accessible pathway to continue playing while pursuing higher education. The Capitals and the ACHA recognized the need to create a centralized platform that would both educate families and provide direct exposure to college programs. 

The initiative was designed to accomplish three key goals: 

• Increase awareness of collegiate club hockey as a viable pathway beyond high school. 

• Provide direct access and visibility between student-athletes and ACHA coaches and programs. 

• Elevate the experience for players and families through an NHL-supported event that combines elite evaluation, education, and mentorship. 

The 2025 rebrand further reinforced these goals by positioning the event as a “Next Gen” opportunity, aligning the Capitals’ youth hockey leadership with the ACHA’s rapidly growing collegiate platform. 

By connecting aspiring athletes, families, and college programs in one immersive environment, the initiative empowers players to envision—and pursue—their future in hockey beyond high school. 

Strategy & Execution

The Capitals and the ACHA designed the Next Gen Collegiate Hockey Combine to deliver a comprehensive, athlete-focused experience that mirrors the structure and excitement of elite hockey evaluation events while remaining accessible to student-athletes across the region. 

The two-day event combines performance testing, gameplay, and educational programming to ensure players and families receive both exposure and information. Participants complete on-ice and off-ice combine testing administered by third-party evaluators, compete in live scrimmages, and engage with ACHA coaches and program representatives through an on-site college fair.  

To further support families navigating the college process, the program also incorporates virtual parent panels featuring experts in admissions, financial aid, and student life, giving families a holistic understanding of the collegiate club hockey experience. 

The 2025 rebrand elevated the event with updated messaging, branding, and storytelling centered on the “Next Gen” athlete, reinforcing the partnership between the Capitals and ACHA while creating a more aspirational and engaging environment for participants. 

By blending competition, education, and direct access to college programs, the event creates a meaningful pathway for players while delivering an experience that reflects the Capitals’ commitment to growing the game at every level.

Organizations

• Washington Capitals

  Monumental Sports & Entertainment

  American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA)

  Competitive Thread

Links

•   Website

Credits

Jessie Thompson
Director, Youth Hockey Development
Washington Capitals

Amanda Tischler
Senior Vice President, Marketing
Washington Capitals

Andrew Nash
Manager, Youth Hockey Development
Washington Capitals

Zoey Pellowitz
On-Ice Coordinator, Youth Hockey Development
Washington Capitals

Michael Janke
Off-Ice Coordinator, Youth Hockey Development
Washington Capitals

Beth Lenz
General Manager, MedStar Capitals Iceplex
MedStar Capitals Iceplex

Dan Waschuk
President
Competitive Thread

Steve Hyjek
Senior Policy Advisor
Baker Donelson