The Brandt Era of Capitols hockey started on Friday night in Pittsburgh as Madison opened the 2023-24 season. The game marked the first of a 62-game season and first of the two game stint at the 2023 DICK'S Sporting Goods USHL Fall Classic. In four seasons at the Fall Classic, the Capitols had never won a game entering the weekend with a record of 0-7-1-0.

In the first matchup against Des Moines since the fall of 2021, Madison looked to flip their fortune at the Fall Classic. The team came out with pressure on Des Moines as the team scored its opening goal just over two minutes into the season. Scoring for Madison was newcomer James Hong. For Hong, it was his 50th point in his USHL career.

Later in the period, Austin Burnevik was able to extend the lead to 2-0 with a give-and-go with Chris Delaney in the corner. Madison took that two-goal lead into the first intermission, but the scoring was only just beginning for the Capitols.

The second period brought Madison double the amount the first did. Goals from Austin Burnevik, Jake Rozzi, Andrew Kuzma, and Noah Barlage extended the Capitols lead to 6-1 after forty minutes. Burnevik's goal came on the rush with Charlie Michaud feeding him to deflect it home. The first goal with the Capitols for Jake Rozzi came off a feed from linemate Finn Brink out front. Madison's leading scorer among returners, Andrew Kuzma, was able to find the back of the net off the rush. The goal for Noah Barlage marked the first in his USHL career.

The Capitols were not done finding the scoreboard after the second. Andrew Kuzma found his second of the game on the power play for Madison just a couple of minutes into the third period. For Kuzma, Friday night's game was personal as he was facing off against his former squad for the first time since joining Madison last October.

On the back end, Carsen Musser made his Capitols debut on Friday night. After going a perfect 6/6 in the first period, Musser let one by on a rebound in the second period but remained at a 12/13 rate through two periods. In the third, Musser was able to stop all but one Buccaneer shot attempts as he earns his first victory with Madison stopping 18/20 shots in the outing.

Madison went 1/3 on the man advantage on Friday night with Andrew Kuzma finding the lone power play goal. On the penalty kill, the Capitols were able to stop 2/3 of the Des Moines man advantages.

The Caps are back at it on Saturday night in Pittsburgh against the Waterloo Black Hawks. Puck drop on tomorrow's game is scheduled for 7:30 pm CT and can be streamed on FloHockey.

Madison returns 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.