Pair of Former Capitols Join UW Hockey Coaching Staff
March 30, 2016 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Madison Capitols News Release
Madison, WI - The University of Wisconsin hockey program will have a very strong Madison Capitols presence, as Don Granato and Mark Osiecki will serve as assistants for another former Wisconsin star and new head coach Tony Granato.
Tony Granato, currently an assistant coach in the NHL with the Detroit Red Wings, returns to his alma mater, where he put up 220 points over his collegiate career with the Badgers. He also spent three decades in the NHL as a player and coach.
Don Granato, who this season served as a head coach in the USHL for the U.S. National Team Development Program, played with the USHL Capitols in 1985-86 before embarking upon a college career at the University of Wisconsin with older brother Tony.
Osiecki, who is currently in his third season as an associate coach with the AHL's Rockford Ice Hogs, played junior hockey with the USHL Capitols before he, too, completed a prolific college career with the Badgers, winning a national championship in 1990.
Osiecki previously served as an assistant coach with the Badgers from 2004-2010, where he won a second NCAA championship, this time as a coach, in 2006.
"The Granatos' track record of success in the coaching ranks is unparalleled; Tony's a class act and one of the most well-respected coaches in all of hockey," said Capitols Chairman Ryan Suter. "We could not be happier to see Tony, Don, and Mark join the coaching staff. They bring tremendously strong ties to both the Madison market and the Capitols. We know they will successfully carry forth the storied legacy of UW hockey."
The Granato brothers and Osiecki each return to their alma mater in pursuit of the Badgers' first NCAA tournament appearance since 2014.
United States Hockey League Stories from March 30, 2016
- Five Former Players off to Frozen Four - Fargo Force
- Generous Bids for UNI Jerseys - Waterloo Black Hawks
- Former Teammates Sign ECHL Contracts - Omaha Lancers
- Pair of Former Capitols Join UW Hockey Coaching Staff - Madison Capitols
- Stampede Sign Luverne's Jaxon Nelson to USHL Tender - Sioux Falls Stampede
- Three Lumberjacks Alumni Sign Professional Hockey Contracts - Muskegon Lumberjacks
- Former Stampede Goaltender Charlie Lindgren Signs with Montreal Canadiens - Sioux Falls Stampede
- Don Granato Departing NTDP After Five Seasons as Head Coach - U.S. National Team
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