Eau Claire native will lead inaugural Madison USHL team
Madison, WI – The Madison Capitols are pleased to announce the hiring of Luke Strand as Head Coach & General Manager.
“On behalf our entire ownership group, we are thrilled to have Luke as our GM & Head Coach,” said Capitols Managing Partner Tom Garrity. “His experience, leadership and passion for the USHL and the Madison Capitols is evident, and we are extremely excited about the team’s future.”
“I am excited for the opportunity to join the Madison Capitols organization and Madtown Hockey LLC,” said Strand. “My passion and desires for the state of Wisconsin and the hockey within the state is something that I cannot resist. I look forward to creating a winning team and culture on the ice and in the Madison community.”
Prior to joining the Capitols, Strand spent the 2013-14 season as the General Manager of the USHL’s Sioux City Musketeers, where he previously served as head coach from 2009-11.
“I must compliment Jay Varady and the Sioux City Musketeers’ ownership for their cooperation in this process as well as Sioux City community,” said Strand. “I am thrilled to lead the USHL back to Madison!”
An Eau Claire, Wis. native, Strand also held two assistant coaching positions in the American Hockey League, with the Houston Aeros from 2007-09, and the Abbotsford Heat from 2011-13.
Strand played in the USHL with the North Iowa Huskies from 1991-93 before playing four years at the University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire. Strand is also familiar with the Madison hockey scene, having played for the United Hockey League’s Madison Monsters/Kodiaks franchise from 1997-2000.
The Madison Capitols begin USHL play at the Alliant Energy Center this fall, with the home schedule beginning in October. Fans can purchase their tickets by calling (608) 257-CAPS (2277) or by visiting www.madcapshockey.com.
