By Ryan Smith,

Madison, WI— The Madison Capitols are excited to announce the hiring of Troy G. Ward as Head Coach & General Manager.

A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Ward joins the Capitols with more than 25 years of coaching experience, including three years as head coach at his alma mater from 1987-1990.

The Capitols are Ward’s second USHL stop. He led the Dubuque Fighting Saints from behind the bench in the 1993-94 and 1994-95 seasons.

In 1997, Ward became an assistant coach with the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins, a position he held from 1997-2000. He has also coached at the IHL, ECHL, and AHL levels.

“We are excited to have a coach with Troy's credentials, and we know Troy will take our team from where it was to an elite level,” said Capitols Chairman Ryan Suter. “Troy brings a wealth of experience and success at every level of hockey that is unmatched, and we look forward to having Troy at camp next week.”

Madison is familiar territory for Ward, who spent three years with the University of Wisconsin men’s hockey program. He was the Badgers’ assistant coach in 2002-2003 before his promotion to associate coach from 2003-2005.

“It is with great pleasure that I have been extended the opportunity to come back home and coach for the Capitols’ organization,” said Ward. “Anytime you join an organization in its infant stages, it’s special. My job is to bring my experiences into the Caps’ organization and take it a step further from last year.”

The Capitols will hold their annual tryout camp from June 14-17 at Capitol Ice Arena in Middleton. Ward will take over a Capitols team that features more than a dozen players eligible to return for USHL play next season.

Capitols’ 2015-16 season tickets and 12-game packages for next season are available now by visiting www.MadCapsHockey.com. Packages can also be purchased by calling (608) 257-CAPS (2277).