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USHL Madison Capitols

Caps Journey to Kearney for 1st Time to Face Storm

February 26, 2016 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Madison Capitols News Release


Kearney, NE - The Madison Capitols (18-20-4-3), who hold a 3-0-2-1 record in their last six games, will make their first ever trip to the Viaero Events Center for a battle with the Tri-City Storm (22-12-7-4) on Friday night for a 7:30 p.m. puck drop.

The Storm have been playing some of their strongest hockey to date this season, gaining points in five straight games while posting a 4-0-1-0 record in that time. They boast a power play that is six for its last 14 over three games, including five out of eight last in wins over Omaha and Sioux City respectively.

Both teams are clicking offensively; Tri-City has scored 13 goals in their last three contests, while the Capitols have scored three or more goals in five of the last six games they have played.

The Capitols' top line of Sasha Payusov, Ryan Lohin, and Sam McCormick has been among the most prolific across the USHL in the month of February. Lohin & McCormick alone have combined for 12 goals, eight assists, and a +7 rating this month. McCormick's seven-goal month, paced by a pair of hat tricks (2/5 @ WAT, 2/19 @ MUS) is the best in the USHL entering play Friday.

The Storm, a young team boasting nine high-school aged players, has found its way to playoff positioning in the Western Conference by virtue of an 11-2-4-1 stretch since Dec. 29.

The two-game series in Kearney marks the Capitols' first visit to Tri-City, as well as the final current USHL barn in which the Capitols have yet to play.

The Capitols won both lifetime meetings with Tri-City on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 of 2014. McCormick picked up the game-winning goal in both games, including the Capitols' first ever overtime win on Nov. 1, 2014.

Like the Capitols' dynamic duo of Lohin & McCormick, a pair of star forwards has paced the Storm up front. Carson Meyer is among the USHL leaders with 25 goals, including eight on the power play, while Wade Allison has been explosive of late, upping his season totals to 21 goals and 36 points.

In net, Jake Kielly has seen the lion's share of net time for Tri-City, posting a strong 16-5-3-1 mark, a 2.39 goals-against average and a .923 save percentage.

The Capitols received better goaltending in their win in Muskegon last Saturday, as Ryan Edquist picked up his fifth win of the season and second against Muskegon in making 32 stops.

The two teams will reconvene on Saturday at 7:05 p.m. before the Capitols complete the busy weekend with a stopover in Sioux City on Sunday against the Musketeers at 3:05 p.m. Each game can be heard on 106.7 FM, 1670 AM, The Zone in Madison, or online at www.MadCitySportsZone.com.

The Capitols then return home for a two-game weekend on Friday & Saturday, March 11-12, at the Alliant Energy Center for a pair of 7:05 p.m. puck drops against Sioux Falls and Youngstown respectively.

March 11 marks the Capitols' Cross Check Cancer initiative, as proceeds from ticket package purchases will benefit the UW Carbone Cancer Center, in conjunction with UW Health Sports Medicine, the Capitols' 2015-16 presenting sponsor.

March 12 brings about the return of four-legged friends to the Coliseum on Pucks N' Paws night, presented by Animart. Dogs will be permitted into the Alliant Energy Center on game night, and each pup will receive a doggy goody bag!

For more ticket information regarding future Capitols games back at the Alliant Energy Center, please call (608) 257-CAPS or visit www.MadCapsHockey.com.

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United States Hockey League Stories from February 26, 2016


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