Sam Kappell sits down to discuss his third season in Madison, the upcoming USHL playoffs and his commitment to Minnesota State University
The Madison Capitols are closing in on a playoff spot, and with four games remaining in the regular season, Sam Kappell is focused on making sure the Capitols are in position to hunt down a Clark Cup when the postseason begins.
The Capitols sit with a record of 31-24-0-3 through 58 games, currently sixth in the United States Hockey League’s Eastern Conference and holding a seven-point lead over the seventh-place Chicago Steel, with both teams having four games left on the schedule.
Helping lead the way is Kappell, who has skated in 58 games, recording 21 goals and 13 assists, leading all Capitols skaters in goals and tied for first points with 34. During an interview on Tuesday, Kappell touched on what it meant to see his name at the top of the team’s leaderboard.
“It’s nice to see. I think I’m a guy that is pretty relied upon in many different situations,” Kappell said. “I kind of expect this out of myself, and I just try and focus on making an impact every game.”
Kappell’s game has grown over his three seasons in the USHL. In year one, Kappell recorded 10 points in 34 games, followed by 32 in 61 games and then this year’s 34. The 19-year-old forward spoke about how his play has evolved over the three years with the Capitols.
“I think a lot of it has come down to the opportunities I’ve been given and the players I’ve played with has helped a lot,” Kappell said. “My trust has grown with the coaching staff, and it’s just continued to help me get more opportunities and ice time.”
The man in charge of leading the Capitols is Andy Brandt. Brandt has been both the head coach and general manager since he was hired prior to the 2023-24 season. Brandt has totalled three playoff appearances and 103 wins, and has built strong relationships with his players throughout his time in Madison.
“I really like his coaching style, and I think him in particular really understands my game, how it looks and what to expect out of me,” Kappell said. “He’s really helped me to understand what I should expect out of myself and hold myself to a high standard.”
In the Capitols’ four remaining regular-season games, they will take on the Sioux City Musketeers twice, who sit in third place in the Western Conference, and the Green Bay Gamblers twice, who are third place in the East. These two clubs should give the Capitols a good feel for the style they’ll need come playoff time.
“We haven’t played Sioux City yet, but we’ve heard they’re a hard physical team. That’ll be a good test and have a playoff game type-feel,” Kappell said. “Green Bay is a team we’ve seen a few times, and we know how they play. I think these are two really important series for us leading up to playoffs that can help us get us ready to play hard hockey.”
For the past three years, Kappell has been able to play his junior hockey in his home state. The Appleton, Wisconsin native discussed what it’s meant to him to be able to play so close to where he grew up.
“It’s been really fun getting to play so close to home and having my family be able to come watch a lot of the games,” Kappell said. “Madison’s a great town; the Friday night home games are a lot of fun. I really love this city and how it’s treated me the past few years.”
Following the completion of this season, Kappell will be heading to Minnesota State University to further his hockey career.
“I think college is going to be a good test for me, and I think I’m going to work through it. I have a lot of trust in the coaching staff there, and I’m going to follow them, follow the plan and see where my game goes,” Kappell said. “I’m excited to join a winning program.”
As for this season, Kappell remains focused on bringing a Clark Cup back to Madison for the first time in franchise history.
“It would be awesome to win a title here,” Kappell said. “We made it to the second round last year, so I think we just need to stick to our game and continue to push. I like our chances.”
The Capitols are back in action on Friday, March 27, when they square off with the Musketeers in Sioux City. Puck drop is set for 7:05 p.m. CST.