Washington Little Capitals Announce Inaugural Squirt Major (10U) AAA Team for 2026–27 Season

The Washington Little Capitals are proud to announce the official addition of a 10U (Squirt Major) AAA team to the program for the 2026–27 season. This historic move marks the first time in DMV history that AAA hockey will be offered at the Squirt level, following approval from PVAHA, and represents a major milestone for player development in the region. “We are proud to deliver Squirt AAA hockey to the DMV,” said Executive Director Mike Donnellan. “For many years, we have lost some of our region’s top young players to the Philadelphia, New Jersey, and even New England markets simply because AAA hockey was not available at home. Adding Squirt AAA furthers our mission to provide the highest level of player development for local athletes while keeping families in the DMV. This announcement is a strong signal to our competitors and partners that WLC has taken another significant step in building and sustaining a nationally relevant program for years to come”.

Craig Desjarlais, Director of Player Development, echoed the significance of the announcement and its long-term impact on the region. “This is a historic move for AAA hockey in the DMV and one that truly levels the playing field for the Washington Little Capitals with our competitors in the AYHL, T1EHL, and across the country,” said Desjarlais. “More importantly, it allows us to provide our homegrown talent with the same elite opportunities they have pursued for years outside of our affiliate, now right here at home. 

As part of this historic launch, the Washington Little Capitals are pleased to announce Eric Scofield as Head Coach and Mike Polidor as Associate Head Coach of the organization’s inaugural 10U AAA team. 

A product of the local CBHL and a Loudoun County resident since the 1990s, Scofield brings deep roots in the DMV hockey community. He has spent more than a decade coaching players from learn-to-play through the 14U level, including Tier II AA with Ashburn Xtreme and Loudoun Knights. Most recently, Scofield coaches the Ashburn Xtreme 9U 2016 team. They are 47-4-3 on the season and undefeated in birth-year play, including competition against AA and AAA opponents. They are the highest ranked 9U team in Virginia and Maryland. Eric’s teams have consistently achieved championship-level results, earning CBHL and AHF titles, and are known for strong structure, puck movement, and high tempo.”

Off the ice, Scofield is a CEO and board member in the financial and information technology sector, holding dual master’s degrees in Business and Analytics and leading organizations across more than 70 countries. His professional leadership experience strongly influences his coaching philosophy, which emphasizes preparation, communication, accountability, and mindset. “It’s an incredible honor to be selected as the Head Coach of WLC’s first-ever 10U AAA team,” said Scofield. “This program represents a major step forward for player development in our region. I’m excited to build a team culture defined by discipline, competitiveness, and high character, while developing players who are prepared for the next levels of hockey.”

Mike Polidor will work closely alongside Scofield and play a major role in the day-to-day development of the 10U AAA team. Polidor brings extensive experience in hockey and elite player development, with a reputation for teaching strong fundamentals, hockey sense, and habits that translate to long-term success. He is currently the coach of Caps Academy 10U AA team, which sits in first place in the CBHL and a total record of 45-7-3. They are the highest rated 10U team in Virginia and Maryland.

A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Polidor played youth hockey with the Jr. Pens before playing his junior hockey for the legendary Coach Mike Addesa and the Boston Bulldogs. He went on to play NCAA Division I hockey at the U.S. Air Force Academy where started almost 100 games in 4 years, earned Academic All-American honors, and was named College Hockey American Student Athlete of the Year. Polidor’s combination of elite athletic experience and academic achievement informs his coaching philosophy and approach to developing young players.

Polidor is also a decorated military veteran. After graduation, he flew both the F-15E Strike Eagle and B-2 Stealth Bomber on active duty, completing over 100 combat missions in Afghanistan and earning the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service. These experiences have shaped his leadership, discipline, and focus under pressure — qualities he brings directly to the hockey rink. “My experience playing goaltender at the Air Force Academy and serving as a fighter pilot taught me the importance of preparation, discipline, and attention to detail — both on the ice and in life,” said Polidor. “I bring that same approach to coaching, helping young players develop their skills, hockey sense, and character. My goal is to create an environment where athletes learn to compete at a high level while building the habits and mindset that will serve them for years to come.”

Donnellan emphasized the importance of assembling the right leadership group to launch the organization’s youngest AAA team. “Introducing AAA hockey at the Squirt level requires the right people leading it,” Donnellan said. “Eric and Mike are outstanding teachers, strong leaders, and great fits for what we want WLC hockey to represent. They understand development, culture, and accountability, and they will establish a foundation that our players can build on for years to come.” The addition of the 10U AAA team further strengthens the Washington Little Capitals’ commitment to delivering elite development pathways at every age level, while keeping the region’s top players in the DMV and positioning the program among the premier youth hockey organizations in the country.