Capitols Select Ten Players in Phase I Draft

May 2, 2023 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Madison Capitols News Release

Madison selected ten players in the 2023 USHL Phase I USHL Draft on Tuesday. Included in the group for Madison was Sam Kappell who was selected first overall in the draft. Kappell was the second player to ever be selected first overall in the Phase I draft in franchise history.

"I am very honored to be picked by the Capitols," said Kappell about being selected by the Capitols. "I have grown up watching Caps games and it's been great to see the great players who have come through the program. The Capitols are getting a hard-working player who hates to lose. I am a power forward with skill, who plays big and gets to the net to score goals. I am not afraid to get to the dirty areas of the rink to find success."

In the draft, the Capitols were able to acquire five defensemen and five forwards. In that mix, the Capitols were able to select three players from Wisconsin, including Kappell. The other two Wisconsin natives drafted by Madison were forward Drew Bowe and defenseman Harper Frey. Frey played the 2022-23 season with the Madison Capitols AAA U16 team.

The remainder of the Capitols draft consisted of Mason Moe (16th overall), Dexter Brooks (61st overall), Egan Beveridge (76th overall), Nolan Geerdes (91st overall), Jack Martens (106th overall), Casey Bridgewater (121st overall), and Bryce Wiitala (136th overall).

Phase II of the USHL Draft is scheduled for 11 am on Wednesday, May 3rd, where the Capitols will complete the rest of their 45-man Initial Protected List. The Capitols will select fourteen players in the second phase of the draft starting each round with the first pick.

United States Hockey League Stories from May 2, 2023

• Storm Completes Phase I of 2023 USHL Draft - Tri-City Storm
• Capitols Select Ten Players in Phase I Draft - Madison Capitols
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• Muskegon Lumberjacks USHL Draft Phase I Recap - Muskegon Lumberjacks
• Saints Announce Scouting Staff Structure Changes - Dubuque Fighting Saints
• Capitols Set to Kick off 2023 USHL Draft on Tuesday Afternoon - Madison Capitols
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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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