489074415_1089381489884117_4148380387638702163_n_edited.jpg

Craig Desjarlais

Craig Desjarlais is a nationally respected leader in elite hockey development with over two decades of coaching and player development experience. As the Hockey Director at ION International Training Center, Craig oversees all hockey operations, training programs, and athlete development initiatives.

He is the founder of 23 Hockey, a premier skill development program focused on high-performance training for players of all ages. Craig also serves as the Director of the Loudoun Knights Hockey Club, helping build one of the region’s fastest-growing youth programs. In addition, he is the Director of Player Development for the Washington Little Capitals, where he mentors top-tier athletes in the Tier 1 landscape.

Craig is known for his detail-oriented coaching style, strong player relationships, and commitment to developing not just skilled players, but confident young leaders on and off the ice.

Contact

Private & Small Group Hockey Training with 23Hockey.

Why Train at Ion

We’re proud to announce that 23Hockey is now the official hockey training partner at Ion: The Rinks at Compass Creek!

This fall, players from all organizations across the region will have access to consistent, professional coaching dedicated to player development, another exciting step forward for hockey in our community.

Whether your player is just learning to skate or striving to elevate their game to the next level, we offer expert-led private and small group hockey training for all ages and skill levels. Our professional coaching staff works one-on-one or in small groups to focus on individualized player development, including skating, puck handling, shooting, positional play, and game awareness.

Access to top-tier, USA Hockey-certified coaches
Flexible scheduling to fit your player’s needs
Customizable lessons tailored to individual goals
On-ice and off-ice skill development opportunities
A supportive, elite-level training environment

Learn More

HOUSE HOCKEY LEAGUE AT ION.

(Fall/Winter 2026-2027)

We’re excited to welcome players to the return of the House Hockey League at ION: The Rinks at Compass Creek. Designed to bring together young athletes from across the region, our House League provides a fun, competitive, and development-focused environment where players can build confidence, sharpen skills, and grow their love for the game. Whether your player is just beginning their hockey journey or continuing to develop their skills, our league focuses on skill development, teamwork, and consistent ice time within a structured season format.

PROGRAM DETAILS

The season runs September through early March, followed by playoffs. Open to 8U (2018 & younger), 10U (2016-2017), and 12U (2014-2015). Each team receives one practice per week (Saturday mornings) and one game per week (Sunday afternoons).

LEAGUE STRUCTURE

All players participate in evaluation skates to ensure balanced team placement across the league. At the 8U and 10U levels, players rotate through the goalie position, while 12U teams may include full-time goalies; goalies recieve a 50% registration discount.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

$1,600 per Player
Full Equipment Required (Including Neck Guard)
USA Hockey Number Required (2026/2027 Season)
Includes: Jersey, Socks, and End-of-Season Awards

REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS

During registration, please ensure that the “Team Name” and “Team Short Name” fields correspond to your player’s age division (for example: 8U, 10U, or 12U). For the “Team Manager” selection, please choose Jasmin Farrier as the temporary manager until official team managers are assigned prior to the season.

EVALUATIONS

Evaluation skate dates and times will be shared in early August.

Doug Shepherd

Specializing in player IQ, edge control, and advanced skills.

Grady Little

Position-specific training and full ice movement skills.

Derric Trudeau

Skating fundamentals, hockey IQ, and competitive training.

Preston Huntington

Goaltending specialist – mechanics, mobility, and game readiness.

HOCKEY
AT ION.

Welcome to the home of hockey in Leesburg, VA. We’re proud to offer a world-class hockey experience for players of all ages and skill levels. As the official home of the Compass Creek House Hockey Club, the Loudoun Knights Hockey Club and the Washington Little Capitals, our rink is where competitive excellence meets community passion.

We're thrilled to announce the return of the NHL Future Caps Learn to Play program in Fall 2025, giving new players the perfect entry point into the game with support from the NHL and Washington Capitals.

Players can choose from a variety of private and small group skills and hockey-specific skating training opportunities with top-tier coaches and programs.

Whether you’re developing foundational skills or preparing for the next level, this is where your hockey journey begins.