Ahead of the Capitols' first game this evening against Des Moines at the 2023 DICK'S Sporting Goods USHL Fall Classic, head coach Andy Brandt has announced the leadership group for the 2023-24 season. Ethan Elias will serve as the team's captain while Chris Delaney, James Hong, and Brendan Lamb will serve as the team's alternate captains.

Capitols Head Coach and General Manager Andy Brandt had the following to say about his leadership group:

"Each player was selected by theirs peers and that is a tremendous honor for Ethan, Brendan, James and Chris. It's a credit to who they are as people at the rink and away from the rink. As a staff, we are excited about how our entire team approaches everyday with detail, work ethic and compete. Our leadership group has done a great job demanding this from themselves and their  teammates each day."

Elias, a native of Maple Grove, Minnesota, enters his second season with the Capitols and is the lone member of the leadership group from the 2022-23 season remaining on this season's roster. After being acquired from Omaha prior to last season, Elias put up a career high of 19 points in five less games than he played with the Lancers the year prior. Elias enters his age-out season and is committed to play at St. Thomas following his junior career.

Delaney, a native of Hopkinson, Massachusetts, joins the Capitols after two seasons with Chicago. Delaney had a point production jump last season as he recorded a career-high 28 points in 60 games played. He was acquired as part of a future considerations package this offseason from the Steel. The UMass commit joins the Capitols and the leadership group for the season as well wearing an "A" on his chest.

Hong, a native of Irvine, California, is another new Capitol that is in this season's leadership group. He was acquired via trade from Waterloo earlier this offseason. Hong is entering his third season in the league and is one point away from fifty in his USHL career. Prior to the start of the camp, Hong committed to Ohio State.

Lamb, a native of Battle Creek, Michigan, is the longest tenured Capitol as he is the only player remaining from the 2021-22 Capitols roster. He has been a mainstay in the lineup for Madison over his two seasons playing in a whopping 133 games combining regular season and playoffs. The forward is committed to Penn State.

Madison plays two games this weekend before returning home on September 29th for the team's home opener. The game will also be a $1 Beer Night presented by Coors Light and PBR. Tickets for the home opening $1 Beer Night and for the rest of the Capitols season are now on sale. Be apart of the action by heading over to tickets.madcapshockey.com. 

MC84 memberships, group tickets and experiences, suites, and other premium areas are now on sale. Gain access to these areas by calling the front office at 608-257-2277. 

Stay connected with the Madison Capitols on social media and the team's official website for the latest updates, news, and behind-the-scenes content as the team gears up for an exhilarating season ahead.

For more information, call 608-257-CAPS or visit madcapshockey.com.