The Madison Capitols and Head Coach and General Manager Andy Brandt have agreed to a contract extension that will continue his leadership of the Capitols through the 2030-31 season, the team announced Monday.
"The USHL is about developing young players on and off the ice, and Andy Brandt is as good as it gets at that," said Capitols owner Ryan Suter. "When families entrust us with their 16 to 20 year old boys, they expect leadership, guidance, and development, and Andy delivers. He has a unique ability to turn players into elite athletes while shaping them into outstanding young men. We're excited to have him with our organization for another five years. He's first class in everything he does."
In his three seasons as the head coach of the Capitols, Brandt has amassed 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.
"First, I'd like to thank Ryan, Andrew, and Juliette for the opportunity to stay in Madison," 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."
Since joining the organization, Brandt has developed the Capitols into one of the top player development destinations across junior hockey. He advanced 31 players to division one college hockey, an average of over fifteen players per year, and six players selected in the NHL Draft including the team's first ever first round selection, Ryker Lee in 2025.
Brandt and the Capitols start the 2026 Clark Cup Playoffs on the road in a first round series with Green Bay. Puck drop of Game 1 is scheduled for Friday night, April 10th, at 7:05 p.m. at the Resch Center.
