The Prince Albert Raiders have picked their leaders.
Mark McNeill, 19, will return as captain, with overage forward Anthony Bardaro and 19-year-old defenceman Harrison Ruopp, serving as assistant captains.
Coach Steve Young thinks the trio has a lot to offer.
“There are some guys that really think things out, there are some guys who are really high energy; all three of them are very respectful on and off the ice, which is important, but they all bring a different element,” he said.
McNeill likes the chemistry.
“I think we feed off of each other pretty well, especially in the room if we’re communicating with the guys,” he said. “We are bring different attributes and that’s what you look for in a leadership group.”
Bardaro agrees.
“I think that diversity helps us when things do come up in the room.”
Ruopp says that in a long season that will include adversity, their leadership will be tested.
“It’s just a matter of getting the guys going and keeping things positive throughout hard times,” he said.
The season opener is Friday at 7 p.m. at the Art Hauser Centre.
