DEFOREST, Wisc. – The Madison Capitols announced today that Trent Eigner has been hired as the team's new head coach and general manager.

"We are extremely excited to have a coach and general manager of Trent's caliber and background," said Ryan Suter, chairman of LEGACY20 and the Madison Capitols. "His professionalism and dedication to hockey is second to none. Trent is fully committed to developing the players and helping continue to build our brand within the community. Trent is going to be a great addition to our growing organization."

"I'm thrilled to be rejoining the Capitols organization in my role after having worn the jersey as a player many years ago," said Eigner. "After touring the incredible new facilities and seeing the direction this franchise is headed in, it became a very easy decision for my family and I to accept this great opportunity."

Eigner, 56, becomes the 14th head coach in franchise history, which dates back to the team's founding in 1984 and its return to the United States Hockey League in 2014. Eigner returns to Madison after playing two seasons with the Capitols from 1988-90.

He most recently served as an assistant coach at the University of St. Thomas for two seasons during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 campaigns.

Prior to his time with the Tommies, Eigner served as head coach at St. Thomas Academy in Minnesota from 2019-22, leading the Cadets to the Minnesota State High School League State Tournament in two of his three seasons behind the bench.

Eigner previously spent eight seasons as head coach at Lakeville North High School, compiling a 133-68-1 record. He guided the Panthers to their first state championship in 2015.

During his high school coaching career, Eigner helped develop five players who were selected in the NHL Draft: Jackson Hallum, Ryan Poehling, Jake Oettinger, Will Skahan, and Jared Wright. He also coached three former Capitols in Tommy Cronin, Tyler Graham, and Max Nagel.

"[Eigner] taught me how to trust myself on and off the ice," said Anaheim Ducks forward Ryan Poehling. "He did that by showing his trust in me."

Eigner becomes the second person in franchise history to play for the Capitols and later serve as the team's head coach, joining Rob Andringa.

Following his time with the Capitols, Eigner played four seasons at Miami University and served as team captain during the 1993-94 season.

The defenseman went on to play six seasons of professional hockey with Raleigh and Huntington of the ECHL and El Paso of the Western Professional Hockey League. Following the 1999-2000 season, Eigner became head coach and director of hockey operations for El Paso, serving in the role for two seasons.

Eigner comes from a hockey family. His brothers, Troy and Ty, also played college hockey. Ty Eigner played for the Capitols during the 1986-87 season before later serving as head coach at Bowling Green from 2019-24. He currently works in the Columbus Blue Jackets organization.

Eigner takes over for Andy Brandt, who served as the Capitols' head coach and general manager for the past three seasons. Brandt has accepted an NCAA Division I coaching opportunity.

The Capitols thank Brandt for his contributions to the organization and wish him the best in his next opportunity.

Eigner and the Capitols open training camp ahead of the 2026-27 season later this month. Madison opens the regular season Sept. 19 against the Sioux Falls Stampede. The Capitols will make their debut at the new LEGACY20 Arena at DeForest Yards on Oct. 17 when they host the Chicago Steel for their home opener.

For media inquiries regarding today's announcement, please contact Madison Capitols Vice President of Media and Fan Engagement Drew Steele at dsteele@legacy20.com.

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