THE 2016-2017 CAPTAINS ARE...
/In hockey history, captains have had an important role to play that goes beyond a letter stamped on their jersey and giving them the right to discuss with the referees. The captains were not always the best offensive players or the best defensemen; even tough several examples prove the opposite. To Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux we can add Maurice Richard and Jean Béliveau. But we can also find captains appointed for their leadership and personality and who never won the scoring championship as Scott Stevens and Dustin Brown.
The captains for the 2016-2017 season.
The captains of the LFA in this 2016-2017 season are mostly appointed for their leadership qualities, experience and enthusiasm for the league. Of the eight captains this year, one is not strictly a '' veteran ''. Nevertheless, each possess qualities sought by the league.
Rhinos's captain, Eric Champagne, is a bon vivant who played in the league for several seasons and inspires his teammates by his enthusiasm and his constant efforts on the ice. An energy player like no other. The Czechers's captain, Xavier Constantin, is a new regular player who has shown interest in the league by sponsoring his team. Without really knowing him personally, this gesture demonstrates a commitment and a love of the organization that should transpire this season. Let time show us what he is capable of.
Matthew Peris, captain of the Avengers, is a veteran defenseman who evolved along with the LFA: he has adapted his style of play to the realities of the league, and he is very attached to it. Even wounded, he assisted his team's games as a coach in last year's playoffs. A great teammate, fair and friendly, which gives the best of himself on the ice. The Meteores captain, François Bourbonnais, is one of the oldest veterans of the league, in fact he is part of the group of those who formed the first edition of the LFA. A positive leader, simple and smiling, which is involved with the league as often as possible, even with a newborn! A safe bet on and off the ice.
Ludovic Helias, captain of the Vipers, is an intense player who let no one step on his feet on the ice, but who is also polite and respected by other players outside of the rink. A captain who speaks when he has something to say and gives the example in silence the rest of the time. Meanwhile, the Loggers's captain, Sébastien Renault, is a complete player who has often gone unnoticed in scoring races but is still one of the best playmaker in the league. He showed his commitment to the league by many hours dedicated to creating the LFA's videos, as well as participating in special events and all kinds of small gestures. A quiet and intelligent leader, respectful and respected.
Sébastien Mainville, captain of the Kamikazes, is a young veteran, in the way that it is not one of the oldest players in the league but he was able to establish himself as and unavoidable player in the league and he keeps getting better every season. Maybe not the greatest hockey talent in the league as of now, but a heart and an optimism little players in the league possess! Finaly, we should not forget the Shamrocks's captain Paul Rosa. This is not only because he turned out to become my captain after the unexpected changes of the early season, but '' Papa Paul '' is one of the most jovial, humble, loved and yet intense player of the league. Always more frustrated after himself than after the others after a bad game, he's an example of a captain who has the happiness of his teammates to heart more than his. A gentleman in the style of Béliveau ( but smaller...), serious and jovial at once, who is loved by all.
This is my analysis of the captains for the 2016-2017 season, according to what I know of them. You are all encouraged to tour the rooms before or after your games, or chat with other members of the league in the stands, to come to the after-games, and get to know people from all backgrounds and all styles. Many friendships were formed over the years in the LFA, and with two new teams and many new players, it is hoped that the tradition will continue!
I can't wait to see you saturday!
Jacob Poliquin
