Wisconsin Capitols

The Wisconsin Capitols were a Tier I junior ice hockey team that played in the United States Hockey League.

The Madison Capitols began as a team in 1984, competing in the USHL, and played for 11 consecutive seasons.^[1] During this period, the Capitols played home games at the Hartmeyer Ice Arena, posting a 207–278–16 record, playing a total of 530 games.^[2]

The team was coached by Bob Suter from 1984 to 1986, posting a 35–48–3–10 record.^[3] Following what was a mild start to the franchise, Scott Owens took over coaching duties in 1986 and started a winning franchise, posting a 136–85–9–10 record through 1991.^[4] Owens would then move on to coach the Des Moines Buccaneers and Colorado College, ending the first era of the Madison Capitols.^{[citation needed]}

With the departure of Owens, the Madison Capitols re-branded themselves as the Wisconsin Capitols in 1991. Steve Huglen, a University of Illinois Defensemen, was hired as head coach for the 1991–1992 campaign and the Capitols intended to continue their winning record; however, under Huglen the team posted an 11–37–0 season.^{[citation needed]}

The 1992–93 campaign saw the departure of Huglen, and the addition of Mike Dibble as head coach. After the team posted a 2–21–2 record Dibble was replaced by Rob Andriga mid-season, who would coach the Capitols to a 4–19–1 record, finishing at 6–39–2–1 season record.^[5][6][7]

In the 1993–94 season, Andringa was still coaching the Wisconsin Capitols, along with the additions of Don Granato, and Brian Duffy.^[8][9] The Capitols would post a 9–37–1–3 record this season, second to their worst.^[2] The era of the Wisconsin Capitols and, for the time being, USHL hockey in Madison was close to an end.^{[citation needed]}

The final season of the Capitols in Madison in 1994–95, saw the return of Duffy, who would post a 3–8–0^[9] record as head coach. The replacement coach, Len Semplice would finish the season with a 7–29–1 record, totaling a team season record of 10–37–1.^[10]

• Alex Brooks, 1993-94^[11]
• John Byce, 1985-86
• Don Granato, 1985-87^[12]
• Mark Osiecki, 1986-87^[13]
• Derek Plante, 1989–90^[14]
• Brian Rafalski, 1990–91

• Scott Owens – USHL General Manager of the Year, 1986–87
• Scott Owens – USHL Coach of the Year, 1987–88^[15]
• Joe Harwell – 1988-89 All-USHL 1st Team
• Forrest Karr – 1994-95 All-USHL 2nd Team

• Hockey DB
• Elite Prospects