Team Maryland or Washington Little Caps

[Guest]

Anyone’s thoughts on a comparison between the two programs for someone looking at moving to area possibly after this COVID crisis ends.  Strengths and weaknesses of both programs and outlook for this year?  I did see the Caps are moving to a pretty nice facility in Leesburg.  Two particular birth years of interest are 07 and 09 at both clubs.  Any comments or ideas about the programs at those levels for the upcoming year?

[Guest]

ION facilities best in league by large margin

[Guest]

At 07 level, TEam Maryland is a top 15 team nationally and plays in the AYHL.  The 07 Caps team was removed from the AYHL after 2 seasons with less than 4 wins.

[Guest]

Pretty vast difference between the two, I am assuming it's likely to be more of the same at that level this year, or any closing of the gap between the two teams?  I guess 09 is hard because I understand they don't allow Tier I there until PeeWee.

[Guest]

I don't have a dog in the fight here....but do your research. Yeah, the WLC 07s have been relegated....but they are heavily recruiting and may scoop up some talent with their move to Leesburg. Don't let the new ION facility sway your decision.  The facility is nice...but the locker rooms are the size of a closet and the rink's management is spotty.

Also...consider where you are going to live. If you are super flexible on where to live, you'll for sure want to live next to the club you want to play for.  We can have a whole forum thread dedicated to pros/cons of living in VA vs MD. But travel from MD to VA or VA to MD for practices and games is pretty much intolerable.

[Guest]

I've been a part of both programs in the 2010's.  Since then both have gone down hill quick.  Currently 2022 WLC don't have a single birth year over .500.  TM is miserable, some clubs only have 2,3 wins total.  Around here the coaching at the AAA level and the product they produce is the worst in Tier 1.  Your better off sticking with your friends and choosing a good AA program.  If your kid is that good go to PA, or NJ.

[Guest]

Depends on your goals.  TM has better placement into Juniors due to relationship with Black Bears.  But if you live near ION you would never want to deal with traffic to get to Rockville. 

[Guest]

The Washington Little Caps fired Lyon Messier for drinking on the job, they also replaced their Director.  The program is a mess and going downhill fast.  The WLC culture has been hijackd by Loudoun/Ashburn players and it is an extremly toxic environment.  There program is so disliked by the ION management that they have lost their lease.  A new rink has yet to be announced but the word is it will be in Haymarket.  My advice, stay away from this program, it is inconsistent and poorly managed, more importantly bad culture.

[Guest]

Most decent kids in the MD/VA area travel to PA and NJ to play with better teams. Both programs suck.