Men's Ice Hockey | 4/9/2026 10:00:00 AM
The Madison Capitols have signed Quinn Kaiser, a 5’10”, 165-pound, right-shot forward from Team Illinois 15U to a United States Hockey League (USHL) tender agreement for the 2026-27 season.
Kaiser had 44 goals and 38 assists in 50 games for Team Illinois 15U AAA last season. Last year, the Barrington, Ill. native had 63 goals and 101 assists in 58 games, tied for second-most in 14U AAA. Kaiser played youth hockey with the Chicago Reapers.
"Quinn is a complete player with a strong offensive skill set. He’s a 200-foot player who can be trusted in all situations," said Madison Head Coach and General Manager Andy Brandt. "Over the past couple of seasons, he has consistently produced at a high level. He’s a competitor and a highly motivated young man. I really enjoyed the opportunity to sit down with him and discuss his game, where he’s been, what he’s learned from coaches along the way, and what his goals are moving forward. We’re excited to be part of his development path and look forward to working with him to help him reach the goals he has in front of him."
The USHL tender process allows teams to sign up to two 2010 birth-year players in exchange for their first- and second-round picks in the 2026 USHL Phase I Draft. As a result of their tender signing this year, the Capitols forfeit their first-round pick in Phase I of the USHL Draft. Each tendered player will join their respective team's roster the next season and play at least 55% of the team's regular-season games.
"Madison presents a first-class opportunity for me to grow both as a player and as a person," Kaiser said. "The culture of hockey is truly present, and it’s clear that there’s a strong commitment to development and success throughout the organization. I’m excited to meet the guys and for the chance to work with the coaching staff, learn from their experience, and continue improving my game."
Kaiser is the eighth USHL player to sign a tender this season, joining Dominik Bednar (Sioux City Musketeers), Zaac Charbonneau (Muskegon Lumberjacks), Dominik Stefan Domonkos (Tri-City Storm), Liam Fournier (Cedar Rapids RoughRiders), Blake Wilichoski (Cedar Rapids RoughRiders), Chris Pinko (Des Moines Buccaneers), and Matty Lynn (Omaha Lancers).
About the USHL
The United States Hockey League (USHL) and its 16 teams are committed to being the world's leading junior hockey league. This season, more than 50% of NCAA Division I men's hockey players and nearly 25% of NHL players have USHL experience. The USHL has developed more than 285 direct NHL Draft picks since 2020, and eight of the last 10 Hobey Baker Award winners, including Macklin Celebrini (Chicago Steel).
Elevated through the recently announced Declaration of Excellence with the NHL and USA Hockey, the league's player-first approach, including a 2:1 practice-to-game ratio and a schedule with 90% of games played on weekends, provides its players with the optimal environment for athletic and personal growth, creating pathways for the next generation of stars like Auston Matthews (NTDP), Kyle Connor (Youngstown Phantoms), Jeremy Swayman (Sioux Falls Stampede), and Johnny Gaudreau (Dubuque Fighting Saints).