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MedStar Capitals Iceplex offers hockey programs for all ages and abilities. Our mission is to provide an atmosphere of learning and fun that results in a lifelong enjoyment of the game of hockey.
Please observe all resctrictions for the safety of all participants. No refunds are offered.Caps Academy staff are available for small group hockey skills lessons.
Small group training lessons are geared toward players seeking to train at an affordable rate with great personal instruction. Each group consists of 4 to 8 players. Although each group does not have to be on the same team, Caps Academy staff groups players at a similar skill or age level, allowing each player to work toward becoming a better hockey player at his or her development level.
Caps Academy small group lessons are for players who would like to get some extra work on specific hockey skills in an intimate setting. These sessions allow our coaches to work 1-on-1 with the players in a small group setting, and really focus on the needs of each player.
Small group lessons are held with Caps Academy coaches on select weekdays.
Advanced registration is strongly encouraged as spaces are limited.
To ensure the safety and productivity of all players and coaches, please register for the appropriate age and/or ability level grouping if noted.
Caps Academy reserves the right to move players to a more appropriate group if necessary.
Lessons will continue throughout the summer. July registration opens July 1 @ 10am.
EFFECTIVE JULY 1, Small Group lessons fees with Coach Ben and Coach Sergei will be $56. There is no change to Coach Brent Johnson's goalie ice time fee of $18. Goalies will continue to pay Coach Brent their lesson fee directly.
Register for SGL in Daysmart. Please note - all sessions subject to change based on the Capitals schedule.
Choose your coach, your dates, and times. You can register for one or more sessions at a time. Session registrations are posted approximately three weeks ahead.
There are NO REFUNDS for these classes. If you wish to switch dates or times, please EMAIL Hockey@MedStarCapitalsIceplex.com 48 hours before your session.
If you have questions about registration, please email Hockey@MedStarCapitalsIceplex.com, being sure to include the player's name and class you are interested in.
Lessons are 45 minutes:
Fees for Coach Ben Kwon and Coach Sergei Nikolaev will be $55 per session.
Ice fee paid through DaySmart for Coach Brent is $18. Goalies will pay Coach Brent their own lesson fee separately to Coach Brent directly.
Brad is a long time native of Northern Virginia and has played for numerous organizations in the area, including the Washington Little Capitals, Junior Capitals, Junior Nationals, Reston Raiders, and Northern Virginia Ice Dogs.
After playing with the Washington Junior Nationals for the 2006-2007 season, Brad continued playing at Lebanon Valley College (NCAA D-III) and also played professional hockey with the Cape Cod Bluefins (FHL).
Brad spent the previous four seasons coaching teams with the Little Capitals at the U14 and U16 age groups. He has enjoyed successful seasons with those teams and produced a NJPHL championship, been in the AYHL championship game, and been a PVAHA regional champion. He attributes his coaching success to the American Development Model (ADM).
A Washington native, Ben began his hockey career locally playing for both the Montgomery Blue Devils and The Washington Little Capitals. He played Junior Hockey for the Shelburne Wolves franchise Ontario Provincial Junior “A” All-Star, and team captain. Ben went on to play for Lebanon Valley College (NCAA D3). All-Star rookie his first year, all-star his second and third years, and all-conference his senior year were awarded him as he became the first defenseman in LVC’s history to score over 100 points. After graduation he played for the SEHL(South East Hockey LEAGUE) Cape Fear Fire Antz. Ben is an experienced hockey skills coach, with a talent for infecting youth hockey players with a passion for the game, and the knowledge to help them turn their passion into results. Ben is a USA hockey level 4 coach.
Former NHL Goalie Brent Johnson played for the Washington Capitals before finishing his career with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Johnson played 12 seasons in the NHL. Originally from Farmington, MI, Johnson played junior hockey for Owen Sound in the OHL before being drafted by St. Louis in 1995. Johnson began his NHL career in St. Louis before moving to Phoenix and then the Washington Capitals. Johnson finished his NHL career with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2012. Johnson hails from a hockey-rich family, his father Bob Johnson also played goalie for the Pittsburgh Penguins, and his grandfather Sid Abel is in the NHL Hall of Fame. In addition to coaching, Johnson covers the Washington Capitals providing analysis for Comcast Sports Network. Brent is excited to develop goalies in the DC AREA.
Sergei is a graduate of the Diesel Hockey School (formerly Dieselist) in the city of Penza, which has great hockey traditions in Russia. He started working as a coach in 2008 in his hometown. In 2013, he received the 1st level of coaching certification. His Diesel 12U AAA team won the silver medal at the Volga region championship in 2013-2014. Sergei also contributed to the development of non-professional adult hockey leagues in the region.
In 2015, Sergei was invited to be the head coach of the famous tryout junior tournament “Your Chance”, held by the Kontinental hockey league (KHL).
From 2016 to 2022, Sergei worked with the Russian Ice Hockey Federation as the Head of National Development Program for hockey players. At the same time, in 2017 he graduated from the Russian State University of Physical Culture, Sports, Youth and Tourism, diploma with honors.
In 2018, he became the author of the first edition of the National Players’ Development Program “Red Machine”, which is now being used in most ice hockey sports schools in Russia. During that period Sergei conducted workshops and training for young hockey players and goalies. He organized and was a speaker at international hockey conferences and forums. Participated as a scout at the Russian Junior 16U Championship.
During the 2022-2023 season Sergei worked as the Head of Hockey Development for the Bosnia & Herzegovina Ice Hockey Federation, coaching juniors of various age groups from 6U to the National Team, with which he won a silver medal at the World Championship Div. III as an assistant coach. Also in 2023, he participated in the IIHF Member National Association Developer Program.
In September 2023, at the invitation of the Royal Belgium Ice Hockey Federation, Sergei led Coach Certification courses for Goalie Coaches from all of their local youth associations.
Sergei moved to this area in December 2023 and is very excited to join the Medstar Capitals Iceplex coaching staff to share his extensive knowledge & experience of international hockey player development with the local players.
Sergei is married and has two daughters, 12 and 7 years old.