New Tommies Captain Eager for the Upcoming Season: ‘Everyone is Setting the Example in Their Own Way

On September 11, the Vancouver Canucks named defenseman Quinn Hughes as their new captain, making him the 15th player in the franchise’s 53-year history to hold the coveted captaincy. He is also the second full-time defenseman to wear the ‘C.’ General manager Patrick Allvin expressed that Hughes’ appointment signifies a significant milestone for the team, symbolizing a change in leadership and the team’s identity. It reflects not only Quinn’s exceptional on-ice talent but also his leadership qualities off the ice.

While some NHL teams have named their captains, there are still a few without designated leaders, and some teams have opted not to name one at all. The Chicago Blackhawks, for instance, have chosen to name only assistant captains out of respect for former captain Jonathan Toews, who played his last game with the team in April.

The process of choosing a captain in the NHL can be challenging, as it involves various factors. Peter Murphy, head coach of the St. Thomas women’s hockey team, shared his criteria for selecting a captain, which include good academic standing, representation of the school community, and being a dedicated athlete. Murphy emphasized the importance of players who give their all in practice and on the ice, not necessarily just the top performer on the team.

Last year, the women’s hockey team did not have a team captain because Murphy did not identify someone as an ‘absolute C’ among the players. Instead, the team had five assistant captains, including a goalie. While having a goalie as a captain is relatively uncommon in the NHL, it is more prevalent in the NCAA.

However, this season brings a change for the Tommies, as coach Murphy has named Ekaterina Pelowich as their captain for the 2023-24 U SPORT season. Pelowich, a fourth-year player from Stouffville, Ontario, was chosen for her strong work ethic on and off the ice, as well as her recognition as an Academic All-Canadian. Murphy also noted that she plays significant minutes for the Tommies, either on the starting line or the power play unit. Last year, she served as one of the five alternate captains.

Ekaterina Pelowich expressed her honor at being named captain and acknowledged the responsibility that comes with it. She sees it as a big challenge to fill the shoes of a captain but is optimistic about the upcoming season. After a disappointing 8-18-2 record last year, she believes that the team is looking very promising this season. The overall atmosphere is positive, the work ethic is strong, and every player is contributing to leadership in their own way.