The Announcement:
We're proud to announce the new captain of the #NHLJets…@BiggieFunke! pic.twitter.com/pyYJ4yEpfq
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) August 31, 2016
Winnipeg Jets Name Blake Wheeler Captain
The Winnipeg Jets announced their captain as well as their two alternate captains today. Forward Blake Wheeler, who turned 30 today will be wearing the “C” and defenseman Dustin Byfuglien and forward Mark Scheifele will be the alternate captains. The Jets have been without a captain since Andrew Ladd was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks earlier this season.
Statements:
“When we think about leaders and what we ask of them, at the very top of the list is we want them to lead by example,” head coach Paul Maurice told the Jets website. “For Blake, in my time here but also over the course of his career, rarely do you run by a player who is able to play that hard, that consistently, every night. In order to do that, he practices like that. In terms of what we want our young players to, what do we want our fans to see, and how we want the players around Blake, where we want their eyes, is on his effort level, his compete, every shift, every game, every practice. We really think that he’s unique in that. There’s very few players that can drive themselves as hard as Blake can and we think he’s a spectacular leader by example in our room.”
Wheeler called his captaincy “A distinct honor”. The captain also added, “I really look forward to being the leader of this team. But it’s not just going to be us three. We have a great group of men in our room, so this is going to be a joint obligation for everyone. Everyone is going to share in this responsibility.”
Ever since arriving in Atlanta/Winnipeg, the 6’5″, 225 pound forward has scored 123 goals and has totaled 330 points.
ANAHEIM, CA – JANUARY 11: Blake Wheeler #26 of the Winnipeg Jets defends the puck against Francois Beauchemin #23 of the Anaheim Ducks during an NHL game at the Honda Center on January 11, 2015 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jonathan Moore/Getty Images)
