3rd year Powell River King JJ Coleshaw has been named as the team’s captain for the 2014/2015 season.
The Clavet, Saskatchewan product has suited up in 104 regular season and playoff games in the BCHL, all with the Kings. Prior to moving to Powell River, Coleshaw played midget hockey in Saskatchewan. “I got called into the coaches office and said that I was going to be the captain this season” said Coleshaw when asked how he found out. “This is something that I was hoping to get this season, so it’s pretty exciting.”
It’s a big responsibility, however the 19-year old Coleshaw believes he’s up for it. “It’s a great honour, a lot of good captains have come through this program and have moved onto leadership opportunities in college and pro hockey ” says Coleshaw. “I’m definitely looking forward to it and taking on more responsibilities.”
“Unlike other years, we really wanted to let nature take its course” says Kings Head Coach and GM Kent Lewis. “We’ve been together for almost a month and I think the years that he’s had here had a lot to do with it, but also the respect of his teammates, the way he goes about his business on and off the ice, his involvement in the club and his involvement in the community…those are the reasons why he’s our captain this year.”
Coleshaw will be joined by Jordan Burns and Kurt Keats in the Kings leadership group this season, both of whom will wear “A’s” on their jersey. “We’re happy to have those guys as part of our leadership but as we explained it to the group, there will be a rotating situation with the other letter” says Lewis. “We put a lot of emphasis on the letters, not only on the ice but their representation of our club off the ice at all times.”
While the Kings have singled out 3 players to be the on-ice leaders of the club, the staff are continuing to look for other players to step up into top roles for the club. “You don’t have to be a letter guy to be a leader.”
