The Capitols dropped the season opener 3-2 to Sioux Falls on Saturday afternoon. Madison was down three after one period and battled back with two unanswered goals. The Capitols were unable to score the game tying goal and fall to 0-1-0-0.

Sioux Falls got out to a hot start scoring just 2:31 into the first period with a shot from the point that deflected past Cash Cruitt to take a 1-0 lead. They would extend the lead to 2-0 with a goal from Gavin Clark who buried a rebound off of the crossbar at 6:46 of the first.

Tim Tuzin found his first USHL goal late wide open in front of the net to extend the lead to three for Sioux Falls in the final minute of the period.

Madison came out hot in the second period forcing Sioux Falls to use their timeout just over two minutes into the frame. Right after the break, Madison's Daniel Halonen deflected a Nolen Geerdes shot from the point home for his first USHL goal.

Later on in the period, Harper Frey set up Michal Jakubec out front thanks to his patience. Jakubec backhanded the goal past the outreaching hands of Sioux Falls net minder to pull the Caps within one. The goal was Jakubec's first of his USHL career.

There was no scoring in the third period or on the power play from either team on Saturday. Madison's penalty kill was successful on all six of the Stampede's man advantages. The Capitols had four power play chances.

Gustavs Griva registered two assists in the loss for the Capitols.

Goaltender Cash Cruitt stopped 23/26 shots sent his way in the loss where he played 58:20 minutes of the game.

The Capitols face off against Omaha on Sunday afternoon with puck drop scheduled for 3:30 p.m.