The United States Hockey League released its 2014-15 schedule on Tuesday, including a full slate of games for the expansion Madison Capitols.
The newly formed Capitols will start the season on the road, traveling to face the Muskegon Lumberjacks Sept. 27. Madison's home opener doesn't come until Oct. 18, when the Capitols host the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders.
The Capitols are set to play their inaugural season this fall at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum at Alliant Energy Center. The Wisconsin men's hockey team played at the Coliseum from 1967-98.
According to a release from the club, the Capitols' schedule features no conflicts with University of Wisconsin or Green Bay Packers football home games.
While there may be no football conflicts, there are a few hockey conflicts, including one series against Minnesota and another against Michigan State. In total, up to five regular season home games and one exhibition game could conflict between the Badgers and the Capitols.
Wisconsin's home series against Minnesota is still to be determined on official dates and times, and will depend on TV coverage from the Big Ten Network. The series against the Gophers will most likely will be played on Thursday, Jan. 29 and Friday, Jan. 30. That would leave the schedule with a manageable conflict of just four regular season games.
DATE | BADGERS' OPPONENT | CAPITOLS' OPPONENT |
---|---|---|
Nov. 28 | Ferris State | Dubuque Fighting Saints |
Dec. 12 | U.S. U-18 National Team (exhibition) | Chicago Steel |
Jan. 29/30/31 | Minnesota (two game series) | Chicago Steel, Omaha Lancers |
Feb. 20/21 | Michigan State (two game series) | U.S. U-18 National Team |
The Capitols will welcome in-state rival Green Bay to the Coliseum for the first time Nov. 14 at 7:05 p.m. CT. That game marks the first of four consecutive games for Madison against the Gamblers, three of which will take place in Madison. The Capitols and Gamblers will meet eight times in total during the 2014-15 season, all of them taking place before New Year's Day.
In total, the Capitols will host 13 Fridayn ight contests, as well as nine Saturday night games for a total of 22 Fridays and Saturdays. Additionally, the Capitols will hold $1 beer nights on various Friday nights throughout the season.
The Capitols are run by an ownership group that includes former Badger and current Minnesota Wild defenseman Ryan Suter. Madison will be coached by Luke Strand, a native of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and the former General Manager of the USHL's Sioux City Musketeers.
Fans can purchase season tickets, 10-game Flex Packs and other seating options by calling (608) 257-CAPS (2277). Full-season tickets start at just $10 per game.
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