3View: Atlanta Capitals | North American Tier III Hockey League | NA3HL
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3View: Atlanta Capitals

August 21, 2018
The 3View series will feature an in-depth look into all NA3HL teams in preparation for the 2018-19 season, with two teams being highlighted daily, leading all the way up until the start of the regular season. 3View goes in-depth into each NA3HL team and will include interviews with all the head coaches in the NA3HL, as they provide fans with their expectations and outlook for the 2018-19 season, including taking a look at their potential roster and their strengths as a team for the upcoming season. It will also take a look back on the 2017-18 season and how each team fared and what they accomplished.  Best of all, 3View will provide the fans of the NA3HL with an inside look at their favorite team and what to expect. 
 
Atlanta Capitals
2017-18 Record: 29-14-4, 62 pts. (2nd in the South Division) 
2018 Playoffs: Lost in South Division Semi-Finals to Mid Cities, 2 games to 0
Head Coach: Jason Smith
2018-19 Division: South
 
Over the last few seasons, the Atlanta Capitals have been the model of consistency. They’ve finished near the top of the NA3HL’s South Division for the last three seasons while also moving their kids on to higher levels of hockey.
 
The latest campaign for the Capitals ended suddenly as they lost their division semifinal series two games to none to the Mid Cities Jr. Stars.
 
“I was disappointed in our play in the playoffs,” said Head Coach Jason Smith. “But overall we had a good season. I hope the returners realize they have to come to play everyday.”
 
Atlanta saw their all time leading scorer Talon Medure commit to St. Mary's University in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference after posting 25 goals and 55 points in 46 games. Dillon Steh also averaged a point per game with 46 points in 45 games, he committed to Becker College. Oliver Lester, Elijah Gibbons, Jason Ladzinski, and Austin Smith also will be moving on to play college hockey. 
 
The Capitals also saw advancement to the North American Hockey League in the form of Arturas Laukaitis. The Lithuanian native scored 34 goals and had 77 points during the 2015-16 season and this past year he appeared in 40 games for the Minnesota Magicians where he registered 16 points. He recently committed to the University of Wisconsin-Stout.
 
“We put the kids in a position to be successful,” Smith added. “We make sure they have everything done so when a school comes calling, there’s no obstacles.”
 
Atlanta has benefitted from the exposure events held by the NA3HL. Smith’s team has seen success at the NA3HL Showcase, NA3HL Top Prospects Tournament and of course the Fraser Cup Championship Tournament. 
 
“I think those events are great for the exposure for our kids. I’d like to see another showcase, added Smith.
 
The Capitals were one of the final eight teams competing for a Silver Cup back in 2017 and after missing out on the tournament last season, they look to get back to the final weekend in 2019. 
 
“Our main emphasis on building the team this season was character and speed,” Smith explained. “My expectations for this season is that we will be a hard working team. To get the Fraser Cup we need hard work and to come together as a team, believe in the guy next to you.”
 
Atlanta will continue to do their great community service efforts as they plan on once again visiting elementary schools and the local children’s hospital. 
 
The Capitals will open up their 2018-19 season on September 14th as they make a trip to College Station to take on the Spirit. As the only team in the state of Georgia, they will have to be road warriors if they look to return to the top of the heap in the South Division.
 
Next up in the 3View series: Binghamton Junior Senators
 
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