Wisconsin Capitols
Ice hockey team in Madison, Wisconsin
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The Wisconsin Capitols were a Tier I junior ice hockey team that played in the United States Hockey League. The
| Wisconsin Capitols | |
|---|---|
| City | Madison, Wisconsin |
| League | United States Hockey League |
| Founded | 1984 |
| Folded | 1995 |
| Home arena | Hartmeyer Ice Arena |
| Colors | Red, black and white |
| Franchise history | |
| 1984–1991 | Madison Capitols |
| 1991–1995 | Wisconsin Capitols |
History
Early history (1984–1991)
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]
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.[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]
Season-by-season record
| Season | GP | W | L | OTL | Pts | GF | GA | Finish | Playoffs | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madison Capitols | ||||||||||
| 1984–85 | 48 | 15 | 30 | 1 | 2 | 33 | 217 | 277 | 8th of 10, USHL | Missing information |
| 1985–86 | 48 | 20 | 18 | 2 | 8 | 50 | 240 | 258 | 5th of 9, USHL | Missing information |
| 1986–87 | 48 | 33 | 14 | 0 | 1 | 67 | 282 | 205 | 3rd of 10, USHL | Missing information |
| 1987–88 | 48 | 24 | 22 | 0 | 2 | 50 | 256 | 231 | 5th of 10, USHL | Missing information |
| 1988–89 | 48 | 33 | 10 | 3 | 2 | 71 | 316 | 211 | 3rd of 10, USHL | Missing information |
| 1989–90 | 48 | 25 | 16 | 2 | 5 | 57 | 220 | 201 | 5th of 10, USHL | Won 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, USHL | Lost Quarterfinal series, 2–3 (St. Paul Vulcans) |
| Wisconsin Capitols | ||||||||||
| 1991–92 | 48 | 11 | 37 | 0 | 0 | 26 | 182 | 291 | 10th of 10, USHL | Did not qualify |
| 1992–93 | 48 | 6 | 39 | 2 | 1 | 15 | 135 | 273 | 10th of 10, USHL | Did not qualify |
| 1993–94 | 48 | 9 | 35 | 1 | 3 | 22 | 128 | 252 | 9th of 10, USHL | Did not qualify |
| 1994–95 | 48 | 10 | 32 | 1 | 5 | 26 | 145 | 245 | 10th of 11, USHL | Did not qualify |
Personnel
NHL alumni
- 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
Awards and player recognition
- 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