Toledo Walleye coach Dan Watson has loaded his roster with players that have been captains or assistant captains on previous teams.
A total of 18 players on the 2022-23 Walleye roster have served as leaders on their college or junior teams.
“The biggest thing for me is they are selfless and will do anything for their teammates,” Watson said. “Previous captains and leaders have the understanding that each player has a role on the team and they typically check their ego at the door.”
Current Walleye captain John Albert was a captain as a senior at Ohio State in 2010-11. He also was a captain with the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League in 2015-16.
Two of team's assistant captains, defenseman Gordi Myer and forward Gordie Green, were captains in college. Myer, a Sylvania native, was an assistant at Ohio State. Green, who was awarded the “A” on his jersey recently, was a captain for Miami.
“There were a few guys that were leaders on our team, just like we have on this team,” Green said. “The biggest thing for me is I try to lead by example. I don't necessarily yell or try to pump everyone up but just talk about what's going on in the game and how we can be better. Now it's my third year in this league and I've seen a lot. So it's pretty easy because we have a great locker room.”
Watson said above all else, he recruits players with good character.
“Gordie has every quality we want,” Watson said. “He is confident, he leads by example, and he prepares himself each day for practice and games. He's great in the locker room and he’s a great player. The more we have gotten to know him personally, the more we believe he is a true leader. It comes naturally for him.”
Albert, 33, is in his 12th season as a pro and in his second season with the Walleye. Albert, who is the eighth captain in team history, called it a great honor.
“I try to get everybody together, to stay positive in the locker room. I'm trying to be a leader on and off the ice,” Albert said.
The Walleye's previous captains were Ryan Stokes, Randy Rowe, Adam Keefe, Kyle Rogers, Jared Nightingale, Alden Hirschfeld, and T.J. Hensick.
Current Walleye forward Joseph Nardi was a captain at Northern Michigan. Forward Conlan Keenan was a two-year captain at SUNY-Geneseo. Forward Kameron Kielly wore the “C” with Canada Atlantic (WHC).
Brett McKenzie, Brett Boeing, Charlie Curti, Lukas Craggs, Donovan Sebrango, Andrew Sturtz, Simon Denis, Drew Worrad, Kurt Gosselin, Chays Ruddy, and Cedric Lacroix all were assistant captains on previous teams.
“No matter where they are in the lineup, they adapt to that role, do the best job they can within that role, even if the role is different than what they have done in the past,” Watson said.
Brandon Hawkins, who also has worn the A for the Walleye this season, said his linemate Green is a great presence in the locker room.
“He’s fun to be around,” Hawkins said. “He makes others better around him and that probably has something to do with him being our new assistant captain, which he truly deserves. I’m excited about what’s to come. He brings it game in and game out and is a huge bright spot for our team.”
The Walleye (21-14-5), who are playing home games on Saturday and Sunday, are on a season-high five-game winning streak. Toledo has outscored opponents 23-6 during the run. The team has won eight of its last 10 games against Central Division foes.
FISH TALES: F Brett Boeing got food poisoning on the team's trip to Iowa last weekend. He missed the final two games there and lost 15 pounds. Boeing remains out of the lineup. … Nardi has returned from his call-up to Manitoba of the AHL. Nardi has 19 points in 30 games with the Walleye. He has scored three goals and has 16 assists. … Grand Rapids assigned forwards Patrick McGrath and Drew Worrad to the team on Friday. McGrath, a native of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., has appeared in 137 AHL games throughout parts of nine seasons, registering nine points (4 G, 5 A) and 482 penalty minutes. McGrath has spent six seasons in the ECHL and racked up 16 points (7 G, 9 A) and 645 penalty minutes in 165 games. Worrad is in his second stint with Toledo this season. In six ECHL contests, the 25-year-old has three goals and one assist.
First Published January 28, 2023, 11:45 p.m.
