After taking some time to get familiar with his roster, Estevan Bruins head coach and general manager Keith Cassidy has settled on his new leadership group.
Second-year forward Josh Jelinski was named the Bruins' new captain on Thursday, the same day the team unveiled its new dressing room.
Jelinski, 19, has a trio of 20-year-old alternate captains to help him out: forwards Derek Whitehill and Matt Dochylo as well as defenceman Dominic Perrault.
"There's a lot of history passed down and to represent this team as the captain and show all these young guys what it's about playing Bruins hockey, it means a lot to me," said Jelinski, an Avonlea native.
Cassidy cited Jelinski's work ethic and style of play as key reasons for the decision.
"From day one, he's held himself to a higher standard. He's got everything we look for in a good leader. He's hard-working all the time, not just when he's feeling good.
"It's something that I think the rest of the guys can look up to and try to aspire to play like," he said.
Cassidy added that Jelinski's physical style of play, including a reputation as a devastating open-ice hitter, was a factor.
"Hockey's an emotional game. It's controlled emotion, but it's an emotional game and I think when you play with the heart he has, it rubs off on his teammates. It shows them what it really takes to take it to the next level.
"He's still learning and growing as a hockey player, but he's got the leadership qualities that both (assistant coach) Cole (Zahn) and I look for."
Jelinski said he'll try to be a positive leader, something he believes is essential with a young Bruins squad.
"The biggest thing probably is to work hard and try to be as positive as you can. Negativity doesn't really get you anywhere. Just work hard and never quit," he said.
"I'm definitely more a lead by example kind of guy, but I'm not afraid to say a few words, I guess. I'm not really good at the whole speech thing."
Jelinski had eight goals and 18 points last year as a rookie and has posted three goals and five points through 13 games this year.
He said the honour has added meaning because of the Bruins' fresh start this year, playing in a new arena and dressing room.
"It means a lot to me to be the first captain to ever be in this room."
Jelinski said he will lean heavily on his three alternates, who bring a little more experience to the table.
"I'm the captain, yeah, but there are great assistants in the room and I'm going to need their help just as much," he said.
Added Cassidy: "There's a common thread running through that whole leadership group. It's not what they say, it's what they do."
The coach said that he needed some time to make the decision of who would best lead the team forward, but he's confident now that the right people are in place.
"We've put off naming the captain for a while and that's something that, when you come into a new situation, you have to evaluate what you have and get to know the character of the people."
