If you're looking to lace up your skates and jump into a game of pickup hockey in Northern Virginia, you're in luck. From Arlington to Ashburn, the region is home to a strong hockey community and a wide selection of rinks that offer open hockey or pickup hockey sessions. Whether you're a seasoned player or just getting back into the game, here’s your go-to guide for where to find pickup hockey in Northern Virginia.

Top Rinks for Pickup Hockey in Northern Virginia

1. MedStar Capitals Iceplex – Arlington, VA

Located atop the Ballston Quarter Mall, MedStar Capitals Iceplex is the official practice facility of the Washington Capitals. Medstar has a daily lunchtime pickup hockey for ages 18 and up from 12:00-1:20 PM, which costs $20 per skater (up to 3 Goalies can play for free). Be sure to register online beforehand to secure your spot.

During the summer, Medstar also offers weekend pickup sessions, typically around lunchtime as well. Be sure to check IceFinder to see if there's a weekend session going on!

Medstar also offers the occasional Family Pick-Up Hockey session, which is for all ages, and is meant to be a fun, easy-going, no contact game for kids and adults!

2. Ashburn Ice House – Ashburn, VA

Ashburn Ice House is a favorite among Loudoun County residents. They offer a weeknight session on Tuesdays from 8:30-9:40 PM, which is great if you can't make sessions during the day. Cost is $20 per skater. Ashburn offers online registration, so be sure to sign up ahead of time.

3. SkateQuest – Reston, VA

SkateQuest features both NHL and Olympic-sized rinks. SkateQuest offers weekday lunchtime pickup sessions on Mondays, Tuesdays, & Thursdays from 11:40 AM – 1:00 PM. Pickup hockey at SkateQuest is for ages 18 and up, costs $15 per skater, and goalies skate free. SkateQuest publishes their schedule online but doesn't let you pre-register.

4. The St. James – Springfield, VA

The St. James in Springfield is a massive, state-of-the-art sports complex with two NHL regulation-size ice rinks. They offer a Friday morning pick-up scrimmage-style skate for adult players 18+ playing at the Upper D, Lower D, Upper C or Lower C levels. A, B and LTP skaters are not permitted and will be asked to leave with no refund. Goalies skate for no cost and are assigned each week; you can email [email protected] to get on the goalie email list.

5. Tucker Road Ice Rink – Fort Washington, MD

While not technically in Northern Virginia, Tucker Road Ice Rink is just a short drive away via the Beltway, located in Fort Washington, Maryland. It’s a community-focused rink with a fresh, modern feel, especially after its full rebuild and reopening in 2021 following a fire. The new facility is bright, clean, and well-designed, with an NHL-sized sheet of ice, heated bleachers, and plenty of space. Tucker Road has an evening pickup session on Sundays from 8:45-10:00 PM, but be sure to check the schedule, as some weeks don't have a session. Pickup costs $12 for Prince George's Count and Montgomery County, or $15 for non-residents. Note that Tucker Road's pickup sessions are limited to 26 players (excluding goalies).

Final Thoughts

Northern Virginia’s hockey scene is thriving, and pickup hockey is a fantastic way to stay in shape, sharpen your skills, and connect with fellow hockey enthusiasts. Whether you're in Arlington, Loudoun, or Prince William County, there’s ice time waiting for you.

Ready to find a game?

IceFinder includes all of these pickup hockey sessions and more! You can easily view all hockey events in the DMV area, including stick and pucks and public skates, by searching for your zip code.