National Capital Hockey Tournament (The Purple Puck)

10/06/2025

Ft. Dupont is the home ice of the Gonzaga Ice Hockey program. If you could take the time to sign the petition so that the conversation can be had.

Accountability for the Fort Dupont Ice Skating Rink ($40 Million Investment)

03/15/2025

Congrats Coach King.

01/25/2025

Took a site visit at the Fort today. The pucks will be dropping at the Fort again this fall.

02/27/2024

Congratulations to Gonzaga Ice Hockey as they captured both the A and AA Divisions 2023-24 Mid-Atlantic Prep Hockey League Championships last night.

11/29/2023

My name is John F. Cotten and I am a proud lifelong resident of Washington, DC. I have been involved with the Friends of Fort Dupont Ice Arena (FFDIA) since 1999, when my wife Denise and I brought our son, Marquise, to the rink to participate in the Kids On Ice® Learn to Skate program. Marquise fell in love with ice hockey and went on to play hockey for the FDIA-based Fort Dupont Cannons, Gonzaga College High School, Bridgton Academy (ME), and Rowan University. He is currently an assistant coach for the North Iowa Bulls of the North American Hockey League. I couldn’t be prouder!

My family and I are truly thankful for the many affordable opportunities provided for Marquise to learn a sport that literally changed the trajectory of his life. I am inspired by FFDIA’s mission and the hard work of dedicated staff and many volunteers to lift up kids like Marquise. This is why I have devoted the past decade as a board member. Marquise learned to think outside the box as a Kids On Ice® skater and then turned his passion into a career. I went on to become the director of the National Capital Hockey Tournament at FDIA (The Purple Puck) from 2011-2022 and have been a board member since 2012.

Please help me ensure that all children, especially those of diverse and underserved backgrounds, have the same opportunities as Marquise. With the help of great humanitarians like yourself, we can make dreams come true. Please join me in making a meaningful tax-deductible donation today to change the trajectories of our kids’ lives forever.

I am excited to announce that a longtime friend is once again going to match the first $7,000 of donations. Together Everybody Achieves More. (Go TEAM!) Thank you for helping us keep DC-area kids on the ice and engaged in related activities during this season of giving, even as construction of our new facility gets underway. Kids On Ice® programming continues on ice at Canal Park Ice Rink during this transitional time. Summer programming in Ward 7 and at other facilities will keep our kids engaged year-round. The future will continue to be bright as we head into an exciting new chapter in Ward 7.

All the best,

John F. Cotten
Board Member, 2012 - present

Donate at: https://www.givelocaltogether.org/o/fdia

07/08/2023

This interview sums up the character of Joe Reyda. The humbleness he had in building Gonzaga Athletics into a area power house for years to come. He gave everyone credit but himself. This was my 1st year as the Director of the Purple Puck and the year that Basketball, Hockey and Lacrosse went on unprecedented runs as Champions. Continue to Live Eternally Coach Reyda!!!

August 13, 2010 - Before entering the new school year, Athletic Director Joe Reyda '85 runs down the record setting success of the Gonzaga Sports Program dur...

03/04/2023

Coach Nate Jackson, Director John Cotten and Coach Bill Slater. From 2010-2019 the Gonzaga Ice Hockey Program won over 200 games and 11 MAPHL AA & A Division Championships and one resolution from the District of Columbia City Council recognizing the work of the program on and off the ice.

03/03/2023

Where a lot of good hockey was played and a lot of great friendships were made.