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. During this period, the Capitols played home games at the Hartmeyer Ice Arena, posting a 207âÂÂ278âÂÂ16 record, playing a total of 530 games.
The team was coached by Bob Suter from 1984 to 1986, posting a 35âÂÂ48âÂÂ3âÂÂ10 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 136âÂÂ85âÂÂ9âÂÂ10 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.
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 1991âÂÂ1992 campaign and the Capitols intended to continue their winning record; however, under Huglen the team posted an 11âÂÂ37âÂÂ0 season.
The 1992âÂÂ93 campaign saw the departure of Huglen, and the addition of Mike Dibble as head coach. After the team posted a 2âÂÂ21âÂÂ2 record Dibble was replaced by Rob Andriga mid-season, who would coach the Capitols to a 4âÂÂ19âÂÂ1 record, finishing at 6âÂÂ39âÂÂ2âÂÂ1 season record.
In the 1993âÂÂ94 season, Andringa was still coaching the Wisconsin Capitols, along with the additions of Don Granato, and Brian Duffy. The Capitols would post a 9âÂÂ37âÂÂ1âÂÂ3 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 1994âÂÂ95, saw the return of Duffy, who would post a 3âÂÂ8âÂÂ0 record as head coach. The replacement coach, Len Semplice would finish the season with a 7âÂÂ29âÂÂ1 record, totaling a team season record of 10âÂÂ37âÂÂ1.