Des Moines Capitals Coach Resigns, Replacement Picked
By Ron Byrd
March 27, 2006

In an unexpected announcement, just one day after winning his third-straight Junior Varsity State tournament hockey title, Des Moines Capitals head coach, Scott Krueger announced his resignation from the team that was followed by assistance coach Tony Dressen. Assistant coach Jeff Baker will potentially return for the 2006-2007 season.

It was a move that caught many players and families by surprise but something that was expected to happen in the future as Krueger had expressed interest in spending more time with his children.

Krueger has been the only head coach that the Des Moines Capitals has had since the birth of the team in the late nineties. Krueger who played for Valley-Dowling and later became the head coach, over-saw the transformation of his hockey team, as more players were participating from other Des Moines Metro schools and a name-change was needed. As the Board of Directors began looking for a new team name and logo, it was Krueger who laid the blue-prints for the Des Moines Capitals. Everything from the team logo to team colors was laid out by Krueger. “It was truly his other child” said hockey parent and team trainer, Marty Anderegg.

Krueger while coaching Valley-Dowling won his first Iowa High School Hockey League (IHSHL) State Championship and went on to win, three more varsity titles while sitting at the helm of the Des Moines Capitals and also won three, back-to-back-to-back Jr. Varsity Titles. The last JV Title was won this year and it was also the last, IHSHL league title as the league will be renamed, Midwest High School Hockey League next season, a move to accommodate several of the league members who reside outside of Iowa.

The Des Monies Capitals Board of Directors accepted the Coaches resignation and wished all three the best of luck in their new ventures, but began a quick search for a replacement Coach and only had to look no further then their cross-town rivals. Several candidates were interviewed and sought out for questioning, but unanimously, the Board chose former Capital player and Des Moines Oak Leafs assist coach, Scott Long to replace Krueger as Head Coach. Long who was a member of the Des Moines Capitals first State Championship team was recommended to the Board from Krueger and has spent the last several years coaching in the Des Moines Youth Hockey organization at the Peewee and Bantams levels, before taking the assistant job with the Oak Leafs. Long as a member of the Capitals 1999 State Championship team, was the leading scorer that season for the Capitals.

Dressen and Baker were asked if they were interested in seeking the head coaching job, and Baker agreed to stay on as a Assistant Coach, to help oversee the transformation from Krueger to Long. Long while serving as an assistant Oak Leaf Coach helped guide the Oak Leafs to win the regular season Championship title at both Varsity and Jr. Varsity and claimed their first Varsity State Championship beating Mason City 4-1.

When asked about taking over the helm of the Capitals coaching positions, Long replied, “I know I have some big, really big shoes to fill and I’m looking forward to returning to my alma-mater. I’m excited about going home”.

The first task that Long will face is replacing fourteen-seniors who can continue to build on the Capitals tradition of winning Season and State titles, a task that can be an undertaking but one that Long is accustom too since playing for the Capitals and coaching the Oak Leafs.

Capitals Claim Third Straight JV State Championship
March 20, 2006
By Ron Byrd

The Des Moines Capitals JV Hockey Team claimed its third straight and the last Iowa High School Hockey League championship last week at Lincoln - behind the hot-hands of Johnston’s Ross Jennings - as they shut-out the Mason City Mo-Hawks 4-0.

The Capitals entered the State tournament as the number two seed and advanced to the Championship game by stopping, seventh-seed Sioux City 3-1 and sixth seed Omaha 2-1 in double-overtime as the Jr. Lancer had knocked off third seed Kansas City 4-3 the previous day.

The Capitals posted a 2-1 record over the Mo-Hawks during the regular season and had lost their last meeting 1-0 before colliding in the State Championship game. The Mo-Hawks got to the title game by stopping the Des Moines Oak Leafs who won the Regular season title and was seeded 1st in the playing field, but Mason City netted two, third-period goals for the 4-2 upset win.

In the title game, both teams stood scoreless after the first stop before the Capitals got on the board at the 3:55 mark on a wrist shot from Waukee’s Justin Atha that proved to be the game winner. Atha’s goal was set up by Tyler Scott and Ross Jennings who posted the assist.

At the 12:52 first period mark, Jennings was back in action in front of the net and added the insurance maker for the Capitals on assist from Bryce Johnson of Johnston and Scott as he posted his first goal of the game. With a two-goal lead the Capitals begin to mount a pressure offense and took control of the puck, keeping the Mo-Hawks on defense for most of the final period.

Just 1:23 into the final period and with the Mo-Hawks doing time in the penalty box, A. J Krist scored a power-play goal for the Capitals on an assist from, “superman-Jennings” who was everywhere in the title hunt.

With momentum now resting on the Capitals bench and time running out, the junior-varsity had their sights on their, “Three-peat State Championship” and threw the game into overdrive in front of the Mo-Hawks net and double-assist, double goal Jennings scored an unassisted goal, securing the Capitals third title.

The Capitals out-shot the Mo-Hawks 33-13 and the other hero of the game was Dowling’s Alex Brewing who was in net for the title game and with the win, moved his season record to 16-0-1 and had a leagues best, .941 save average.

In the semi-finals as the Capitals were fighting to hold off the Jr. Lancers in double-overtime, it was the duo of the Johnston, Johnson brothers who netted both goals sending the Capitals to the title game.

After a scoreless first period, Bryce Johnson scored the lone goal of the second period from Lee Marean and Jennings. After Omaha’s Aaron Kind forced overtime with his Lancer goal in the third period both teams pushed hard during the first OT but were not able to find the back of the net. Just 1:44 into the second overtime Brady Johnston teamed up with Krist and brother Bryce for the game winner. The Lancers out-shot the Capitals 35-27 but goalie Tyler Tunning stopped all of the Lancers overtime attempts, sending the Capitals to the finals.

Scoring for the Capitals against Sioux City was Matt Van Patton from T J Francis and Alex Nixon, followed by Jennings from Ross Johnson and Brady Johnson from Bryce Johnson.

Collisions of the Game

Dowling Catholic senior Neil McGarvey checks Kansas City Outlaws freshman Josh Ziehm during JV action Sunday February 5, 2006 at the 95KGGO Arena.  The Capitals beat the Outlaws 3-0.

 

Dowling Catholic senior Josh Henss collides with KC Outlaws defenseman Cody Glauser during the varsity contest Sunday February 5, 2006 at the 95KGGO Arena. The Capitals beat the Outlaws varsity team 4-1.

Below, Henss levels Waterloo Columbus sophomore Jacob Schutte during the Capitals 5-2 varsity win Friday February 3.  Josh served 2 minutes for cross checking.

Dowling Catholic junior Robbie Anderegg checks Waterloo West senior Tyler Bentley during varsity action Friday February 3, 2006.

Capitals Post One win, Two Loses
By Ron Byrd
February 12, 2006

It didn’t take long after the Mo-Hawks of Mason City handed the Capitals a 4-1 loss that Des Moines coach Scott Kruger, knew that team unity was lacking and a late night practice was set upon the teams’ arrival back in Des Moines.

The Des Moines Capitals and Mo-Hawks were ranked second and third respectively in the Iowa High School Hockey league and with a scoreless game in the second period, at the 8:13 mark, Mo-Hawk player Nic Detra got Mason City on the board first with a deep slap-shot. Mason City moved out to a 2-0 lead midway through the third period, before Capitals player, Patrick Rice scored at the 12:15 mark on assist from Alex Nixon and Jon Schaeffer. With :48 left in the game, Des Moines pulled goalie Steven Erbstein but the Mo-Hawks were able to get behind the Capitals rush and scored two, empty net goals for the win.

On Saturday after working on team unity at the midnight practice, the Capitals hosted the Blues of Quad Cities and started the game on a mission and out shot their visitors 13-6, but gave up two-first period goals. Trailing 2-0 to start the second period, the Capitals finally found working together as a team is much better and found the back of the Blues net for three, unanswered goals and sealed a 3-2 win.

After going back and forth for most of the period at the 10:10 mark, Nate Jacobs got the Capitals on the board on an assist from Robbie Anderegg with a short-handed goal the put a spark into the Capitals bench. Patrick Falvey followed the Jacobs goal at the 14:41 mark with Jacobs and Justin Nisser setting up the puck. With the game tide at 2-2, Anderegg scored what proved to be the game winner that was set up by Ames Cross and Charlie Wigger for the win.

Erbstein was in net and posted nine save before Tyler Tunning came in at the 6:12 mark of the second period and posted three-saves.

The last game of the three game weekend came on Sunday as the Capitals played host to cross town rival the Des Moines Oak leafs but fell 3-2 in varsity action. Both teams qualified for the Iowa High School State Hockey tournament and could meet in the Championship game.

In JV action the Capitals also went 1-2 over the weekend and held onto first place in the league standings while having played one-more game then the second place Des Moines Oak Leafs.

At Mason City the Capitals were held scoreless and lost 1-0 as they out-shot the Mo-Hawks 19-15, but rebounded on Saturday to stop the Blues 3-2 to give the team a much needed lift. Matt Van Patten scored a power-play goal for the Caps on assist from Lee Marean and T. J. Francis. At the 7:21 second period mark A. J. Krist put the Caps up 2-0 with Ross Johnson making the hook-up. The next two goals belonged to the Blues who had the game tied at 2-2 that stood until the third period 11:44 mark when Brady Johnson got the game winner from Justin Atha to seal the win. Tunning was in net at Mason City and Alex Brewington picked up the win against the Blues with 15 saves, while the Capitals out-shot Quad City 44-17.

On Sunday after taking a 1-0 lead over the Oak Leafs, the Capitals let the game get away in the third period, posting a 1-2 loss and season record against the cross-town rival. Both teams qualified for the JV State tournament at Lincoln, Nebraska next month.

Collisions of the Game
Waukee senior Nate Jacobs (below) runs under Lincoln's senior Chris Taylor as Taylor came out to poke the puck and overt a Jacob's breakaway.  The Capitals beat the Stars' varsity team 2-1 Saturday January 28th at the Urbandale Arena.

Johnston senior Charlie Wigger (right, below) changes direction as teammate Nate Jacobs takes Lincoln senior Frank Espinosa off the puck. The Capitals beat the Stars' varsity team 9-0 Sunday January 29th at the Urbandale Arena.

Capitals Roll Over Stars 2-1, 9-0
January 29, 2006
By Ron Byrd

Two teams, two days, two wins, but two different performances as the Des Moines Capitals picked up wins over the Lincoln Stars, 2-1 and 9-0 last week in Iowa High School Hockey League action.

The Capitals played host to the Stars last weekend at 95KGGO Arena and put up one of there best offensive attacks of the season, but only squeaked out a 2-1 win on Friday while putting 63-shots on net while holding the Stars to 7-attempts. Chris Taylor for Lincoln put on a goalie clinic and had the Capitals working overtime to put any pucks into the net.

At the 8:47 mark in the opening period, Ames Cross of Urbandale got the Caps on the board first on an even-strength goal that was set up by Mat Johnson. While Des Moines was lining up shots on Taylor, the officials were lining up the penalty box as Lincoln spent 50-minutes doing time while the Caps spent 14-minutes on break.

The game winning goal for Des Moines came in the second period while the Capitals were on the power-play and senior Josh Henss earned his, got-one-in-on-Taylor-goal that was set up by Nate Jacobs and Bryce Johnson of Johnston. Lincoln added their lone goal while they took their turn on the power-play, but Des Moines controlled the puck the rest of the way for the win.

On Sunday, while the names and jerseys were the same for the Stars, the Capitals performance rose to another level and this time, they found Taylor’s week side and put nine-pucks in. Justin Nisser from Urbandale got the game winner from Johnson while the Capitals were on their first power-play to open the game. The Capitals picked up four more goals each during the next two periods as the route was one.

Robbie Anderegg scored first followed by, Mat Johnson (power-play), Charlie Wigger of Johnston, (short-handed), followed by Bryce Johnson, Henss, A J Krist, Cody Verhuel of Johnston, and Zach Davis. Assist came from Bryce Johnson, Jacobs, Krist, Mark Duffy (2), Verhuel, Neal McGarvey, Henss, Davis and Ross Jennings of Johnson. Steve Erbstein was in net for both games and moved his record to 17-3-2.

The JV Capitals also posted back-to-back wins over Lincoln by stopping the Stars 9-1, 10-2 as Coach Scott Krueger used a wide variety of players on Sunday. As the Capitals were dealing with injuries and suspensions for the weekend, several players were asked to step up and lend a hand and on Sunday, reserve goalie Ryan Giles skated out for the first time of the season and recorded his first Capital goal. Tyler Tunning also skated out on Sunday after picking up a win on Saturday while tending net. While Tunning didn’t score a goal he did pick up an assist when he passed to Brady Johnson who set up Mathew Bunting for the last goal of the game in the 10-2 win.

Scoring on Saturday were Bryce J, Krist (2) pp-even, Taylor Olson, Jennings (pp), Brady J (pp), Jacob Garcia (pp), Alex Nixon (pp) and T J Francis. Assist were dealt from Brady J (2), Jennings, Bryce J, Tyler Scott and Nixon. Tunning posted 23 saves. On Sunday Jennings scored his hat-trick goals while Bryce J, Mat Van Patten (2), Francis,

Mat Bunting (2) and Giles (pp) all added goals also. Assist came from Brady J (2), Bryce J, Krist, Mat Bunting (2), Nixon, Ross Johnson, McGarvey, Garcia, Jake Brewington, Giles, Scott, and Tunning. Alex Brewing was in net and moved his season record to 11-0-1 and still sets atop of the JV goalie standings with a .946 save average.

Capitals Hold onto Second Place
January 16, 2006
By Ron Byrd

After shutting out the Mustangs of Cedar Rapids 5-0 and tying the Mo-Hawks of Mason City 3-3, the Des Moines Capitals held onto second place in the Iowa High School Hockey League with 39-points trailing league leader the Des Moines Oak Leafs by 1-point.

The Capitals with the leagues best season-scoring offense of 128-goals shut out Cedar Rapids behind goals from Josh Henss, Zack Davis, Ames Cross and Robbie Anderegg. Henss posted the game winner at the 8:35 mark in the opening period on a Davis assist. Davis posted his goals just: 10 into the second period on an Anderegg assist followed by Henss’ goal just: 12 seconds later as Anderegg got a Mustang turnover and passed the puck up to Davis who found Henss breaking towards the net for the goal.

In the third period, the Capitals got their first power-play goal from Ames Cross who picked off his Mustang pass and scored unassisted. The last goal came from Anderegg on a Bryce Johnson pass while the Capitals were on a 5-on-3 advantage power-play. The Capitals out-shot the Mustangs 49-8 with Steven Erbstein picking up his shout-out win while in net.

Against Mason City, the Capitals were hit hard and early as the Mo-Hawks took the opening puck drop and found the back of the net for their first goal, just: 11 seconds into the game. Mason City sits 6-points behind the Capitals in the IHSHL standings and was looking to avenge a 1-0 home-loss last December and pushed Des Moines hard during the opening period.

The Capitals tied the game during the first period on a goal from Brady Johnson on a Ross Jennings assist at the 4:31 mark. Six-seconds later the Capitals were in the net once again as Anderegg hit a missile-shot from the blue line, which was tipped by Henss and slapped in mid-air by Patrick Rice for the go-ahead goal.

In the second period the Mo-Hawks tied the game on a Mitch Paulsen goal but Davis put the Capitals back out in front on an Anderegg and Cross assist that stood until the final minutes in the game. At the 11:45 third period mark, Brent Schloemer tied the game back at three’s with his Mo-Hawk goal. The Capitals out-shot the Mo-Hawks in the overtime period 12-3 but couldn’t find the back of the net. Erbstein posted 30-game saves.

The JV Capitals posted back-to-back wins over the weekend by stopping Cedar Rapids 3-0 and the Mo-Hawks 3-1 to remain in first-place in the IHSHL JV standings. At Cedar Rapids, Tyler Scott got the game winner at the 7:41, first period mark on an AJ Krist and Jonathan Bunting assist. Alex Nixon scored for the Capitals in the second period on a hook up from Matt Van Patten and TJ Francis. The last goal came from Bryce Johnson on a Mathew Bunting assist. Undefeated Alex Brewington who sits in first-place in the JV league standings for goalies, with a 10-0 record and a .955 save average, picked up the win with 10-saves as the Capitals out-shot the Mustangs 30-10.

Against Mason City at home, Justin Atha picked up the first goal for the Caps at the 6:22 mark that went unassisted. Taylor Olson posted his defensive goal at the 11:32 mark in the second period that proved to be the game winner on a Nixon assist.

The last goal came from Bryce Johnson in the third period on a Scott assist for the win. Tyler Tunning was in net for the Mo-Hawk game and posted 21-saves as Mason City out-shot Des Moines 23-22.

Goalie Saves of the Game
Dowling junior Tyler Tuning (below) stops Joseph Harcharik during the December 22 game against the Oak Leafs.

Valley senior Steven Erbstein (below) prepares to knock his rebound into the corner against Ames on Friday January 6.

Capitals Send Greeting to US Troops in Iraq
December 30, 2005
Register Article

Round Two; Oak Leafs Over Capitals 7-2
December 23, 2005
By Ron Byrd

When you have sat at the top of the Iowa High School Hockey League for most of the season, seeing a running clock with a six-goal lead is something that the Des Moines Capitals have seen their share of until last week at KGGO Arena when the clock was continually running against them during the second and third periods.

It was an Oak Leaf party three-day’s before Christmas as both Des Moines teams, the Capitals and Oak Leafs, were tied for the top spot in the league and was meeting for their second of a three game series where the winner claimed the top spot in the IHSHL.

The Capitals came out supporting new lines of personal and before anyone could introduce themselves to their new linesman, the Oak Leafs had lit up the scoreboard like a Christmas tree, scoring five unanswered goals during the first period, everything from even strength, power-play and short handed goals.

At the 7:28 opening period mark, it was Josh Twinn scoring first for the Oak Leafs on a Derek Hansen and Joseph Harcharik assist. At the 8:25 mark it was Andy Edwards scoring unassisted on a Capitals turnover. At the 10:25 mark it was Hansen scoring a power-play goal from Matt Trout and Zach Corsbie. At the 11:25 mark it was Harcharik hooking up from Hansen scoring their short-handed goal. Finally at the 13:46 mark, Twinn once again scored for the Oak Leafs on another Capitals turnover that he put in the net, unassisted.

After the opening period break, a new game emerged as the Winter Bash became more physical as only one goal was scored for the Oak Leafs, but both teams spent their fair share in the penalty box. At the 6:20 mark, Josh Kintz scored for the Leafs on a Charlie Clough assist and the scoring was done for the period, but the penalties were handed out like Christmas presents. The Capitals spent sixty-one minutes in the penalty box on the night while the Oak Leafs put up forty-two minutes in the box. At one point during the period seven players were in the penalty box - five for the Capitals and two for the Oak Leafs - with two from each team being handed ten-minute misconducts.

The third period gave the Capitals new life as they outscored the Oak Leafs, 2-1 and saw a new rising star as Patrick Falvey scored both Capital goals and the Oak Leafs got another player in the score books.

Just: 28 seconds after the puck dropped in the final period, Matt Trout got his Christmas goal that was set up by Corsbie. At the 1:07 mark the Capitals fans breathed a sigh as Falvey scored unassisted. With time winding down in the game at the 14:14 mark it was superman scoring again for the Capitals as Falvey went unassisted, again.

Tyler Tunning was in net for the Capitals and posted twelve saves while Jordan Buenting tended net for the Oak Leafs and picked up the win on twenty-one saves. The Capitals out shot the Oak Leafs 23-19

In JV action the Capitals avenged a loss with their prior meeting against the Oak Leafs and won 2-1 as both teams were ranked, one and two, in the IHSHL JV standings.

Bryce Johnson of Johnston scored for the Capitals in the opening period on a rebound shot that went unassisted. The Oak Leafs answered right back and two minutes later the game was tied on Cody Weaver’s unassisted goal. The last goal of the game came in the second period from Tyler Scott on an Alex Nixon pass for the game winning goal for the Capitals. Derek Lawson was in net for the Oak Leafs and posted twenty-five saves while Alex Brewing posted eighteen saves for the Capitals.

Capitals Survive Rough Weekend
December 19, 2005
By Ron Byrd

The Des Moines Capitals hockey team hit a major bump in the road last week and posted a 1-1-1 record in Iowa High School Hockey action. After getting knocked out of the first place standings in the IHSHL the previous week, the Capitals paid a two-game visit at the Blues ice house and picked up a 3-3 tie on Friday and a 2-1 win on Saturday to move the defending State Champions back into the top spot in the league.

On Sunday though, the 6th place Lancer of Omaha came calling at KGGO Arena and knocked off the Capitals 6-3 and with cross-town rival, the Des Moines Oak Leafs picking up three-wins over the weekend, both Des Moines teams sit at the top of the league standings with 30-points.

On Friday night the Capitals jumped out to a third period, 3-1 led before things turned the Blues way as they scored two-third period goals to force overtime. Patrick Falvey, Patrick Rice and Josh Henss all scored for the Capitals but none could find the net in the extra period for the win. Bryan Traeger, Justin Nisser, Robbie Anderegg and Jon Schaeffer all posted assist as the Capitals out-shot the Blues 34-16 in the tie.

On Saturday, things were a little more even as the Capitals out-shot Quad City 24-22, but once again the Capitals fell behind before Rice hooked up with Nate Jacobs to force the tie game. Just 3:58 into the last period, Rice once again found the net for the game winner on a Matt Johnson assist for the win.

Against Omaha, both teams were tied after the first two stops but things for the Capitals came the hard way as they gave up a, short-handed goals during the first period to finish tied at 2 each on the scoreboard.

Falvey put the Capitals up first on a shot from Nisser and Traeger, before Omaha moved up 2-1 on an even strength and shot handed goals. Fair turnabout play was given up by Omaha while on their own power-play; Zach Davis forced a turnover and found Anderegg breaking for the net for the 2-2 tie, short-handed goal.

During the second period, both teams scored once again and this time it was Traeger punching one in from Cody Verhuel and Ross Johnson to force the game back to another tie at 3-3. The third period however belonged to Omaha who scored three-unanswered goals and finished the season series against the Capitals at 1-2. Steven Erbstein was in net for all three varsity games and posted 61-saves.

The JV Capitals posted a 2-1 record over the weekend by splitting with the Quad Cities 1-4 and 3-1 and stopping Omaha on Sunday 4-2 but was knocked out of the number-one spot in the State rankings as the Oak Leafs picked up three wins for 31-points to the Capitals 30-points.

On Friday, Quad City got on the board first in the second period and moved out to a 3-0 lead before the Capitals found the net. While on the power-play, Ross Jennings scored from Bryce Johnson, both from Johnston, for the lone Capital goal of the game. Quad City added one more goal for the 4-1 win. On Saturday the Capitals took control first when A J Krist scored at the 7:43 in the opening period on an assist from Lee Marean. Tyler Scott followed next on an, unassisted goal before Krist struck again in the third period to close out the scoring and the 3-1 win. Scott posted the assist. Tyler Tunning was in net on Friday and Alex Brewington tended net on Saturday. Sunday the JV Capitals rolled over Omaha 4-2 with Krist, Schaeffer, Scott and Jennings posting goals. Krist, Justin Atha, T J Francis (2) and Brady Johnson posted assist.

Capitals Pound Waterloo, Cedar Rapids 27-1
By Ron Byrd
December 5, 2005
After losing the Iowa High School Hockey League’s leading scorer last week – Derek Elliott who transferred to the North Iowa Outlaws Junior A team – many wondered how the league leading Capitals would fare without their leading scorer. Life after Elliott continued for the Capitals who shutout Cedar Rapids 9-0 and turned back Waterloo 6-1 in varsity action while the JV teams also posted shutout wins of 7-0 and 5-0 respectively.
The Capitals out-shot the Mustangs of Cedar Rapids 43-4 and saw eight different players light up the scoreboard. Just 1:17 into the opening period, Patrick Falvey got the game winner on an assist from Robbie Anderegg and the route was on. Picking up first period goals were Patrick Rice, Ross Johnson and Falvey for the 4-0 lead. Assist came from Ames Cross, Josh Henss, Justin Nisser (2) and Anderegg.
The Capitals did the rest of their damage in the second period with five-goals from Henss (2 – one shorthanded), Bryan Traeger (unassisted) Charlie Wigger of Johnston, and Nate Jacobs. Assist were dealt from Mark Duffy, Cross, Jacobs, Traeger, and TJ Francis. Steve Erbstein was in net and didn’t see any action until the second period when he posted 3 of his 4 saves for the shutout win.
On Saturday the Capitals jumped out to a 2-0 lead over Waterloo behind goals from Rice and Falvey before Waterloo scored to open the second period on a Jacob Irey power-play goal to cut the lead to 2-1. Not since the Mason City game, had the Capitals saw much pressure on the scoreboard and from that point on, it was all Des Moines as they responded to the Warriors tempo and went on to outshoot Waterloo 57-11.
Falvey and Jon Schaeffer added two more scores in the second period with Rice and Henss closing out the third period. Falvey’s goal was a short-handed and assist came from, Cross (2), Mat Johnson, Nisser (2), Traeger, Henss and Rice. Erbstein posted 10-saves.
In JV action the Capitals posted shutouts for both games with Tyler Scott netting the game winning goals against Cedar Rapids and Waterloo. Against Cedar Rapids, Scott scored just 1:25 into the game on an assist from Bryce Johnson and A J Krist followed by Johnson’s goal from Krist while on the power-play. Schaeffer, Brady Johnson and Scott added the next three Capitals goals as Scott Byrd and Krist picked up play-maker awards with Justin Atha assisting on the Johnson goal. The last two Capitals goals came from Krist and Francis with assist coming from Bryce J, Scott, Matt Bunting and Matt Van Patten. Alex Brewington was in net posted 5-saves in the shutout.
Against Waterloo, once again it was Scott with the game wining-power play goal at the 1:33 mark, with Bryce J and Schaeffer posting assist. The rest of the Capitals goals came from, Bunting (2), Scott (pp), and Ross Jennings. Picking up assist were, Lee Marean, Bryce J, Van Patten, Cody Verhuel, Alex Nixon, Schaeffer and Jake Brewington. Tyler Tunning set up in the pipes and posted 6 saves for the shutout win. The Capitals out shot the Warriors, 47-6 and the Mustangs 26-5. The Capitals will return home on December 18th to face Omaha. Game time is 11:00 am and all high school students are now admitted free to Capitals home games with their school identification card.

Capitals Back on Track with Two Wins
November 27, 2005
By Ron Byrd

After getting handed their first loss of the season before the Thanksgiving break, the Des Moines Capitals picked up wins over Mason City 1-0 and Ames 8-0 in post holiday action last weekend and held onto first place in the Iowa High School Hockey League with 23-points. On the road at Mason City, the Capitals found themselves in another close game with their oldest rivals and put the game away behind the power-play goal from senior Derek Elliott at the 13:52 mark in the second period for the only score of the game.

Elliott, the leading scorer in the IHSHL, got the game winning goal on an assist that was set up from Nate Jacobs and Josh Henss while on the man advantage. Both teams pushed each other for the rest of the night, but behind two of the top leading goalies in the league of Steven Erbstein of Des Moines and Austin Maginnis of Mason City, no one found the back of the net. Erbstein posted another shut-out and had nineteen saves while Maginnis had twenty-four saves.

On Sunday the Capitals rolled 8-0 over the Ames Little Cyclones by out shooting their visitors 62-4. The Capitals saw eight different players light up the scoreboard and saw the return of Jon Bunting of Johnston who scored his first varsity goal of the season just 1:54 into the game. Bunting who missed the start of the season due to a football injury scored unassisted to start the scoring frenzy.

The Capitals followed with goals from, Henss, Patrick Falvey, defensive man – Mark Duffy, Justin Nisser, Ames Cross of Urbandale, Jacobs and Zach Davis. Assist came from Elliott (play-maker) Cross, Nisser, Falvey, Henss, Patrick Rice and Jacobs.

Des Moines was hit with four-penalties while Ames had three.

In the Jr. Varsity action, the Capitals also posted back-to-back wins by stopping the Mohawks 3-1 and cruised past Ames 10-0 to hold onto the top spot in their league with 22-points. Just 1:30 into the game, Taylor Francis scored for the Capitals on an assist from Neal McGarvey before Mason City tied the game at the 7:05 mark that stood until the third period. Ross Johnson got what proved to be the winning goal when he stole a Mohawk passed and dumped his shot in the net for the 2-0 lead. The last goal of the game came moments later when Tyler Scott and Taylor Olson hooked up for the final goal. Alex Brewing picked up the win with 28-saves.

Against Ames, the Capitals scored one power-play goal, two short-handed goals and jumped out to a 4-0 lead during the opening period. Jon Schaeffer scored what proved to be the game winner at the 2:37 mark to open play and then while defending the Little Cyclones power-play, Francis cut off an Ames pass and took off for the net scoring an unassisted-shorthanded goal.

The rest of the Capitals goals came from Matt Van Patten (pp and even), Jon Bunting, Matt Bunting, Scott (shorthanded), A J Krist (shorthanded), Schaeffer and Francis once again. Assist came from Van Patten (2), J Bunting, Jake Brewington and Scott. Tyler Tunning was in net and posted 11-saves and recorded another shut-out for the season.

The Capitals will be back at home this Friday at KGGO Arena where they will host to Cedar Rapids. Game time is 6:30 pm.
 

Oak Leafs Claim Turkey Cup 3-1
November 23, 2005
By Ron Byrd

For the past several years when the Des Moines Capitals and Oak Leafs hosted their annual ice hockey game before Thanksgiving – usually- over time has been need to determine a winner. This year, overtime never entered the KGGO Ice Arena as the Oak Leafs skated to a 3-1 victory and claimed the Turkey Cup trophy in Iowa High School hockey league action last week.

The Capitals who won the Turkey Cup the previous year opened the first period by taking a 1-0 lead at the 4:01 mark when Derek Elliott stuffed his shot into the net from Patrick Rice and Josh Henss. Both teams moved the puck up and down the ice for the rest of the period, but neither was able to score behind the goal tending of Steve Erbstein of the Capitals and Jordan Buenting of the Oak Leafs.

Just inside the 10:00 mark in the second period, the Leafs were hit with a penalty and began defending the Capitals power play. Derek Hansen and Matt Trout got control of the puck in front of their own net and found Joseph Harcharik who had gotten behind the Capitals defensive and passed the puck up. With the pass, Harcharik went one-on-one and with Erbstein and found the net to tie the game on the short-handed goal.

With both teams still tied in the third period at the 3:10 mark, once again, Hansen got control of the puck and found sophomore, Troy DuBay racing for the net and with a two-on-one, DuBay scored what proved to be the game winning goal. From that point on, it became a race up and down the ice for both teams.

Neither team was able to score for the rest of the period until the Capitals needing a goal to tie the game, pulled Erbstein from the net while the Leafs had a player in the penalty box. With the six on four advantage, Buenting held off the Capitals attack and finally at even strength, Harcharik got control of the puck and launched one, hitting the open net for the final score.

On the night, Erbstein posted 24-saves and Buenting had 19. With the loss, the Capitals record fell to 9-1-0-1 and the Oak Leafs season record moved to 7-1-0-0.

In the Junior Varsity contest, it too was the Oak Leafs picking up a win behind the hot goaltending of Derek Lawson. The Capitals out-shot the Oak Leafs 35-12 but the Norwalk senior, Lawson was a man on a mission and shut down the net from all angles as the Capitals took shot after shot but fell 4-1.

At the 1:02 mark in the second period, Cody Cohrs of the Oak Leafs got the first goal on an assist from Cody Weaver and followed up with the game winning goal at the 7:02 mark and this time it was Andy Edwards and Jason Hammer on the assist for the 2-0 lead. After the ice scrape, the Oak Leafs put an insurance maker on the board just: 56 into the last period when Johnston’s junior, Brandon Behanish scored an unassisted goal.

The Capitals tried to start a comeback at the 3:21 mark when they finally slipped one in on Lawson as Matt Van Patten scored the Capitals lone goal from Mathew Bunting of Johnston and Ross Johnson. Needing more pressure on Lawson, the Capitals pulled Tyler Tunning from the net and with the 6 on 5 advantage, Lawson stopped the Capitals attack and Edwards stole a Capitals pass and skated it up to the open net for the Leafs fourth goal.

For the game, Lawson posted 34-saves and Tuning posted 8. Both teams will meet again on Dec. 22nd at KGGO Arena. Game time is 6:15.

Mediacom Channel 22 Turkey Cup Replays:
Wednesday November 23rd @ 5:30pm
Thursday November 24th @ 7:00pm
Sunday November 27 @ 4:30pm

Capitals Sweep Weekend
Urbandale, IA. November 20, 2005

The Capitals lit the lamp over their opponents by a wide margin this weekend.  Dubuque fell twice and Ames fell at home as the Varsity and JV teams both hit nine wins for the season.

Capitals Roll past Cedar Rapids – Sioux City
By Ron Byrd
November 14, 2005

The Des Moines Capitals hockey team picked up two wins last weekend by stopping the Mustangs of Cedar Rapids 10-0 and Sioux City 4-2 to hold onto the top spot in the Iowa High School Hockey League at 13-points. The Capitals saw two different styles of hockey over the weekend as Cedar Rapids is rebuilding after separating from the Dubuque Stars whom they joined last year while numbers were down and Sioux City who had beaten Des Moines previously, snapping a two-year road winning streak.
Against Cedar Rapids, the Capitals out shot the Mustangs 65-6 and for the second week in a row, Nate Jacobs posted another play-maker award. Defensive man, Mark Duffy got what proved to be the game winning goal at the 1:39 mark in the 1st period on a Justin Nisser assist. Two minutes later, Derek Elliott scored from Jacobs and Patrick Rice. Josh Henss followed next on the board with a power-play goal with Elliot and Ross Johnson picking up the assist. The last goal of the first period came from A J Krist on a Tyler Scott hook up.
In the second period the Capitals went on a 5-0 run with goals coming from Henss (power-play), Robbie Anderegg, Elliott, Ames Cross and Scott Byrd. Assist were dealt from Elliott, Rice, Zach Davis (2), Henss, and Jacobs. The last goal of the game was in the third period when Rice scored from Jacobs to close out the game.
Steven Erbstein started the game in net for the Capitals and saw his first action in the second period as the young Mustangs got their first - two game shots off – before junior Tyler Tuning was called in where he posted four-saves in the third period.
On Sunday, it was the rubber game with the Metros of Sioux City as Des Moines lost in their first meeting in overtime and walked away with the second game winning easily. At the 11:32 mark in the opening period, Patrick Rice scored first for the Capitals on an assist from Elliott and Henss. Within two minutes of the goal, Des Moines was penalized and while defending the Metros power-play, Elliott forced a turn over at the redline and moved the puck up to Henss who broke loss for a one-on-one with the goalie and scored for the 2-0 lead.
At the 8:37 mark in the second period, Elliott picked up his play-maker award when he forced another turnover and found Bryce Johnson who slammed one into the net while both teams were four-on-four. Sioux City went on to score two-power play goal – during the last two periods of the game, but Henss and Elliott hooked up once again in the third period to put the game away. Steven Erbstein was in net for the Sioux City game and posted twenty saves.
The Capitals JV teams posted a 3-1 and 3-0 wins over the weekend but fell out of first place in the league with 12 points as the Kansas City Outlaws took over the top spot with 13-points.
In the 3-1 win over Cedar Rapids, the Capitals posted a goal per period with Byrd scoring a power-play goal in the opening period on an Alex Nixon assist. Nixon then posted the game winning goal in the second period from Ross Jennings and Jon Schaeffer and Bryce Johnson scored in the third period from Scott and Krist. Alex Brewington was in net and went sixteen of seventeen saves.
Against Sioux City, Tyler Tunning posted his first shut-out of the season with the win as he shut down the net on the Metros with eleven saves. Both teams were scoreless after one period of play, but Matt Van Patten got the game winning goal at the 6:47 mark in the second period from Matt Bunting of Johnston and Jake Brewington. Tyler Scott added another goal in the second period on a Krist assist, and Neal McGarvey scored his defensive goal in the third from Van Patten.
The Capitals will be back home this Friday as they take on Dubuque. Game time is 6:30 pm at the KGGO Arena.

The Capitals would like to formally introduce Scott ‘Bossman’ Campney, Director of Player Development and Draft Specialist. Mr. Campney comes to the Capitals from his years of supporting Des Moines High School Hockey. Scott was an integral part of the 1988-89 undefeated Regular Season and State Champion Dowling/Valley Hockey Club. Scott’s role during that season solidified him as having an eye for talent and a desire to win. He also is player/coach for the 5 time Broomball Champions ‘Team Mullet’.

Recently Scott has helped the Capitals to a repeat State Championship as well as League Champions in 2004. Scott’s role in this years 2005 draft has insured that the Capitals have reloaded for another year of hard work, team play and toughness.

Scott and his wife, Heather have one daughter, Casey and they reside in Urbandale. Scott is employed with Campney Commercial.

Elliott Puts on Clinic, Capitals roll over Sioux City
November 6, 2005
By Ron Byrd

The Des Moines Capitals traveled to Sioux City last weekend and split with the Metros as saw their two-year winning road streak come to an end in a 1-2,OT loss on Friday, before exploding on Saturday as Derek Elliott put on a scoring clinic by scoring five-goals as the Capitals rolled 7-1.

Friday, the Capitals and Metros were in a dog fight from puck drop to buzzer as Des Moines controlled the puck for most of the game, but stuffing anything into the net was nearly impossible. Des Moines missed several scoring opportunities after taking a 1-0 lead in the first period on a goal from Elliot that was set up by Josh Henss at the 9:55 mark. The Capitals went on to out shoot the Metros 31-18 but with 6:00 left in regulation, Sioux City got a turn-over deep and tied the game. With second left in the game, Des Moines was hit with a penalty that sent the Metros into overtime with the man-advantage that they used to give the Capitals their first loss just 1:15 into the extra period.

In the afternoon game on Saturday the Capitals were on a mission and had something to prove be getting on the board first at the 3:23 mark on the games first power-play for the Capitals as Elliot scored on the setup from Nate Jacobs for the score. On the Capitals next first-period power play, once again, Elliott scored as Ross Johnson and Henss moved the puck and got Elliott open in front for the game winning goal.

The second period belonged to the Capitals as Elliott pushed the game to 3-0 on an even strength goal and this time it was Bryan Traeger sliding over the pass on the week side. Moments later, Charlie Wigger got his name in the books on the scoring side and penalty side before getting tossed. The game had gotten away from the officials with thirty-one penalties getting called during the game, but none was bigger then Wigger’s goal and rumble.

After Patrick Falvey moved the puck up to Wigger on a break-away goal, as the Capitals were starting to huddle for their celebration goal, Wigger was knocked down and the rumble was on. Both players were tossed and words were exchanged on the ice and in the Capitals locker room before players were separated.

To open the third period, Sioux City got on the board for their lone goal by picking up a short-handed shot before the Capitals threw the game into overdrive. Elliott picked up his fourth goal with Jacobs setting up the power-play goal and Henss scored his power-play goal moments later from Jacobs and Patrick Rick. The Jacobs assist was his first Play-make of the season for the big man on defense. The last goal of the game came as Elliott closed out his clinic at the 12:06 mark with Rice and Mark Duffy setting up the goal. Steven Erbstein was in net for the Capital and posted 27-save for the weekend.

In the JV games over the weekend, the Capitals took both games 3-1 and 10-2 with Alex Brewington and Tyler Tunning picking up wins while in net. Scoring goals on Friday were Justin Nisser Tyler Scott and Ross Jennings with assist going to Scott Byrd, Jennings, Bryce Johnson, TJ Francis and Alex Nixon. On Saturday, Bryce Johnson picked up his hat trick and Neal McGarvey and Scott Byrd posted player-makers. Other goals came from Lee Marean, Jennings, Scott, and Brady Johnson (2) AJ Krist, and Jake Brewington. Assist were dealt from McGarvey (3), Byrd (3), Scott, Nixon, Francis, Bryce, Cody Verhuel, Jacob Garcia, Krist, Marean and Matt Bunting.

The Capitals will open their home season this Friday as they play Cedar Rapids and then Sioux City will be in Des Moines on Sunday.
 

Des Moines Capitals Open Season 3-0
October 30, 2005
By Ron Byrd,

The defending regular season and varsity Iowa High School Hockey League State Champions, Des Moines Capitals opened their season by picking up three wins on the road at Lincoln and Omaha. Des Moines after posting back-to-back State Championships began a three of a five game road stand to start their season off and stopped the Lincoln Stars 5-1 and a got a double header win over the Lancers of Omaha, 7-1 and 5-3.

After graduating nine seniors the Capitals returning letter winners picked up where their prior teammates left off and jumped out 2-0 in the first period in route to the win. Patrick Falvey of Dowling got the first goal of the season on an assist from Nate Jacobs of Waukee, followed by Patrick Rick of Valley on assist from Falvey and Derek Elliott of Valley for the second goal.

Johnston’s freshmen Bryce Johnson picked up his goal to open the second period from Tyler Scott of Hoover and AJ Krist of Valley. Elliott scored next from Roosevelt’s Jon Schaeffer’s assist and the last varsity goal belonged to Johnston’s Scott Byrd on a hook up with Justin Atha and Justin Nisser from Waukee and Urbandale.

At Omaha Saturday, the Capitals were too much for the Jr. Lancers as it became a scoring feast for Des Moines. The Capitals jumped out to a 2-1 lead to open the first period on goals from Jacobs and Josh Henss of Dowling. Bryce Johnston got the Jacobs assist and Zach Davis of Ankeny set up Henss. Omaha cut the lead in half on their lone goal, but from that point on, it was all Capitals. In the second period, Henss got the Capitals first power-play goal from Jacobs a hook up, followed by Bryan Traeger of Valleys goal from Nisser. Rice, Elliott and Jacobs added another Capital goal and with just: 02 left in the period, Henss scored his Hat-trick goal from Davis and Robbie Anderegg of Dowling. The last Capital goal came in the third period from Davis on an assist from Elliott and Ross Johnson of Valley.

Sunday, the Capitals had a harder time putting away the Lancers 5-3 in a game that was tight until the end. The Capitals jumped out 3-0 before Omaha cut the game to 3-2 on power-play goals. Rice, Elliott and Mark Duffy of Norwalk posted the first goal, followed by Traeger and Jacobs’s teamwork for the 2-0 lead. Henss, Davis and Charlie Wigger of Johnston scored to open the 2nd period just before Omaha went on their own scoring drives. At the 10:50 mark moments later, Henss picked up what proved to be the winning goal on a rebound shot in front of the net. Jacobs added the insurance maker in the 3rd as he went, end-to-end, unassisted for the last goal of the game. Steven Erbstein of Valley was in net for all three games and posted 52-saves.

The JV Capitals posted a 2-1 record over the weekend as they won at Lincoln and split with Omaha. Des Moines demolished Lincoln last Friday 13-2 and split with the Lancers 5-0 and 2-3. At Lincoln, the Capitals got goals from, Jim Munro of Dowling, Krist (4-goals), Alex Nixon (2) of Waukee, Matthew Van Patten of Lincoln, Scott, Nisser (2), Mathew Bunting of Johnston and Byrd. Picking up assist were, Jake Brewington of Dowling, Bryce Johnson (play maker), Nisser (2), Scott and Atha. Saturday at Omaha, Bunting scored first for Des Moines, followed by Scott, Krist, Nixon and Lee Marean of Valley. Assist went to Cody Verhuel of Johnston, Brady Johnson (2) of Johnston, Krist, Byrd, Atha and Bryce Johnson. Alex Brewington was in net for the shutout. Sunday, Scott and Byrd picked up the Capitals goals on assist from Byrd and Krist. The Capitals are on the road this week at Sioux City for a double header.