USHL Madison Capitols

UW Commit Stillwell Awaits More Permanent Madison Stay

Published on May 29, 2015 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Madison Capitols News Release


Madison, WI- Before he even played a single game in a Madison Capitols uniform, Sheboygan native Tony Stillwell already made a name for himself in Madison and the entire state's illustrious hockey upbringing.

For one, his head coach, Luke Strand, was a factor in his life in some of Stillwell's most formative years. That connection is so evident that one of the GM's first moves upon arrival was acquiring Stillwell from the Sioux City Musketeers, the duo's prior USHL home base.

"(Coach Strand) was on my radar way back when I was probably in club organizations, not even AAA," Stillwell recalled.

In the Stillwell house, there rests a picture of young Tony, his father, and Coach Strand from a camp at the renowned Shattuck St. Mary's prep school in Minnesota. It's a snap shot that the Capitols' defenseman fondly recalls to this day, a full decade later.

"I'm not sure where I am on (Coach Strand's) radar, but hopefully it's as far back (as he was on mine)," said Stillwell.

Now a high school graduate, Stillwell's lack of tremendous size on the blue line, which some could see (and have seen) as a detriment, instead continues to be overshadowed by his creativity and calmness that has had scouts gushing praise.

Perhaps no one was more intrigued than University of Wisconsin hockey coach Mike Eaves, whose staff wasted little time in 2013 in securing a commitment from the Notre Dame Academy star that would end up becoming Mr. Hockey in Wisconsin for the 2014-15 high school season.

"To be honest, I did not expect (my name) to come out of (the presenter's) mouth," Stillwell said shortly after winning the WHCA Player of the Year award inside the Alliant Energy Center this past March. "Hearing my name was pretty exciting. Being able to walk up to accept the trophy was like following in the footsteps of so many great players that have come out of Wisconsin, like Max McCormick, Davis Drewiske. I'm humbled and excited to be able to accept it."

The award was just past the midpoint of a year that saw the 18-year-old bounce between Green Bay and Madison for high school and USHL action. Stillwell skated for the Capitols in their second and third games of the season, a road trip against the Fargo Force on Oct. 2-3. He tallied one assist in the two games before making the decision to stay with Notre Dame Academy.

"You put so much investment into a team and a family, and it was something I thought was right," Stillwell said of his choice.

After his senior season concluded, Stillwell then returned to the Capitols for the final 15 games of the USHL regular season. The back-and-forth nature of his year provided more than a couple doses of adjustments for a young man still very much on a developmental path.

"The practices were so much different; the intensity was different. You can think of how it felt to play (in the USHL), but it just gets jumbled with time. (My first game back in March against Cedar Rapids) was eye-opening as well."

Despite the quick leap, Stillwell remained an integral part of the Capitols' blue line, ending the season with five assists, three of which came on the power play.

All the while, off the ice, he continued to commute from Green Bay to Madison for hockey, simultaneously completing his final year of high school at Notre Dame.

"It took a lot of responsibility on my part," Stillwell said. "I did want to keep my grades and academics up. After practice, I was by myself for almost the whole day, while guys were going to lunch and hanging out, so I didn't have that much of the social part with the team."

The 2015-16 season will feature a lot less driving time for Stillwell, who will continue his education with online classes from the University of Wisconsin.

"I'll have to basically do the same thing with (balancing school and hockey). I think it was a good experience (this year) to be able to manage stuff on your own," explained Stillwell.

The defenseman says he has already been in touch with counselors at the University, and finds it good for his college future to "walk in with one less thing to worry about."

As his academic future has come into fruition, so too has his hockey potential. The first Badger commit in Capitols history is not content with simply maintaining his already high ceiling of talent.

"I don't think points is an issue for the sake of points. I think if I can be more accountable the full year than I was in the spring stint, I think that will be the biggest thing for me," said Stillwell. "I want to come onto the team and be one of those top guys that everyone respects and the coaches depend on."

Also in his personal goals, Stillwell is quick to point to increasing his shot speed, shoring up defensively, and avoiding any chances of being a liability.

With a 60-game docket on his plate for the 2015-16 season, Stillwell admits his training and summer preparations are more strenuous than in any of his prior years in the sport.

"It's going to be a really hard summer for me," said Stillwell. "I'm already feeling it. I think it's important for me to be ready to step up and be a factor for this team as we move forward."

For Stillwell, 2015-16 marks the first of what could become a healthy streak of full hockey seasons in Madison, whether with the Capitols or the Badgers. His is a path that will remain under the watchful eye of proud Wisconsinites, near and far.

Madison Capitols 2015-16 season tickets and 12-game packages for next season are available now by visiting www.MadCapsHockey.com. Fans who pay in full for season tickets by June 1 will receive a specialty Season Ticket Holder jersey. Packages can also be purchased by calling (608) 257-CAPS (2277).

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