Capitols Face Gamblers in Round One of Clark Cup Playoffs
The No. 6 Madison Capitols will travel to Green Bay, Wis., this weekend to face the No. 3 Green Bay Gamblers in a best-of-three first-round series in the Clark Cup Playoffs. All three games will be played at the Resch Center.

Madison finished the regular season at 37-27-0-3, while Green Bay posted a 38-18-4-2 record. The Gamblers controlled the season series, going 7-1 against the Capitols. Four of the eight matchups were played at the Resch Center, where Green Bay won all four. This series will mark the first time this season that Capitols goaltender Caleb Heil plays at the Resch Center.

Madison swept Green Bay in the first round of last year's playoffs, winning both games at Bob Suter's LEGACY20 Arena by a combined three-goal margin. Last year's matchup was the first time the Gamblers and Capitols met in the playoffs. 

Over the past two seasons, the Capitols have played in three playoff series and have won Game 1 in each, outscoring opponents by a combined margin of seven goals. Game 1 against the Gamblers is set for April 10 at 7:05 p.m.

TEAM LEADERS
Madison: 
Goals - Sam Kappell (23)
Assists - Gustavs Griva, Nolen Geerdes (23)
Points - Gustavs Griva, Sam Kappell (36)

Green Bay:
Goals - Zach Wooten (35)
Assists - Geno Carcone, Andrew O'Sullivan (39)
Points - Zach Wooten (62)

Capitols Extend Andy Brandt 
The Madison Capitols have signed head coach Andy Brandt to a contract extension through the 2030-31 season, the team announced on Wednesday. 

In his three seasons as the head coach of the Capitols, Brandt has earned a record of 104-67-9-6 (.599), which is the second most wins in team history. Brandt has led the Capitols to the Clark Cup Playoffs in each of his first three seasons with the team. In 2024-25, he led the team to a franchise-best 39 wins and 84 points while also being named a finalist for both the Head Coach of the Year and General Manager of the Year awards in the USHL.

Since joining the organization, Brandt has advanced 31 players to division one college hockey, an average of over fifteen players per year, and six players were selected in the NHL Draft, including the team's first ever first-round selection, Ryker Lee, in 2025.

Reflecting on his time with the organization, Brandt said, "I truly believe this organization is becoming a destination for elite hockey players. From an organizational standpoint, there has been a significant investment in the program, including the new rink, locker room, workout space, hydrotherapy resources, and enhanced nutrition and meal support. From a developmental perspective, I believe our coaching staff has done an excellent job helping players grow both on and off the ice in preparation for NCAA Division I colleges and professionally. I'm excited for our playoff push with this group, and I'm equally excited to continue being part of an organization that is clearly committed to investing in the development of its young players."

Madison Signs Forward Quinn Kaiser to Tender Agreement for 2026-27
The Madison Capitols have signed forward Quinn Kaiser to a tender agreement for the 2026-27 season, the team announced on Thursday. By signing the tender agreement, Kaiser becomes the first player to lock in his spot on the 2026-27 version of the Capitols. The agreement also takes the place of the Capitols' first-round pick in the 2026 USHL Phase I Draft, which is scheduled for the first week of May.

Kaiser, a native of Barrington, Ill., appeared in 50 games for Team Illinois this season and recorded 44 goals. Kaiser becomes the fifth tendered player in team history and the fourth in head coach Andy Brandt's tenure with the organization.