The Wisconsin Capitols were a Tier I junior ice hockey team that played in the United States Hockey League.
History Early history (1984–1991) The Madison Capitols began as a team in 1984, competing in the USHL, and played for 11 consecutive seasons. 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.
The team was coached by Bob Suter from 1984 to 1986, posting a 35–48–3–10 record. 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. Owens would then move on to coach the Des Moines Buccaneers and Colorado College, ending the first era of the Madison Capitols.
Wisconsin Capitols (1991–1995) 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.
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.
In the 1993–94 season, Andringa was still coaching the Wisconsin Capitols, along with the additions of Don Granato, and Brian Duffy. The Capitols would post a 9–37–1–3 record this season, second to their worst. The era of the Wisconsin Capitols and, for the time being, USHL hockey in Madison was close to an end.
The final season of the Capitols in Madison in 1994–95, saw the return of Duffy, who would post a 3–8–0 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.
Season-by-season record Season GP W L OTL Pts GF GA Finish PlayoffsMadison Capitols 1984–85 48 15 30 1 2 33 217 277 8th of 10, USHLMissing information 1985–86 48 20 18 2 8 50 240 258 5th of 9, USHLMissing information 1986–87 48 33 14 0 1 67 282 205 3rd of 10, USHLMissing information 1987–88 48 24 22 0 2 50 256 231 5th of 10, USHLMissing information 1988–89 48 33 10 3 2 71 316 211 3rd of 10, USHLMissing information 1989–90 48 25 16 2 5 57 220 201 5th of 10, USHLWon Quarterfinal series, 3–0 (Sioux City Musketeers)Lost Semifinal series, 0–3 (Omaha Lancers) 1990–91 48 21 23 4 0 49 163 197 5th of 10, USHLLost Quarterfinal series, 2–3 (St. Paul Vulcans)Wisconsin Capitols 1991–92 48 11 37 0 0 26 182 291 10th of 10, USHLDid not qualify 1992–93 48 6 39 2 1 15 135 273 10th of 10, USHLDid not qualify 1993–94 48 9 35 1 3 22 128 252 9th of 10, USHLDid not qualify 1994–95 48 10 32 1 5 26 145 245 10th of 11, USHLDid not qualify
Personnel NHL alumni Alex Brooks, 1993-94 John Byce, 1985-86 Don Granato, 1985-87 Mark Osiecki, 1986-87 Derek Plante, 1989–90 Brian Rafalski, 1990–91
Awards and player recognition Scott Owens – USHL General Manager of the Year, 1986–87 Scott Owens – USHL Coach of the Year, 1987–88 Joe Harwell – 1988-89 All-USHL 1st Team Forrest Karr – 1994-95 All-USHL 2nd Team
References
External links Hockey DB Elite Prospects