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USHL Tri-City Storm

Pinkston Dubbed Captain for Tri-City Storm

September 30, 2010 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Tri-City Storm News Release


KEARNEY, Neb. - The Tri-City Storm named Rick Pinkston as its team captain Thursday, with Coach Drew Schoneck praising the veteran defenseman for his experience, leadership, community involvement and work ethic.

"Rick is a natural leader, and guys gravitate toward him to see how things should be done," Schoneck said. "He embodies what we want in a Storm player. He plays and practices hard and always gives everything he has on and off the ice.

"He's also a guy who is first in line to sign up for promotions and community appearances," added Schoneck. "Our young guys go to him when they want to make sure they're doing things right. When you have a guy like that, your team is immediately pointed in the right direction for success."

A native of Trenton, Mich., Pinkston is known for his tough demeanor and physical play. He is in his third season with the Storm.

"We can do some big things this year, and I'm really excited to be a leader on this team," he said in a press conference at the Viaero Event Center. "You take pride in it, and you really feel good to wear the C. I hope the guys look up to me and look to me for guidance both on and off the ice."

The Storm on Thursday also named Dan Kolomatis and Matt Johnson as alternate captains, while Tucker Brockett was chosen by coaches as the third home alternate captain and Cody Murphy was named third road alternate captain.

"It's a real honor being here today. It really says something from the coaches and from the staff," said Johnson, a native of Stillwater, Minn. "It's kind of a big deal to us. We'd really like to show the coaches ... we're not going to prove them wrong."

The captains were chosen by the Storm coaching staff.

Kolomatis, acquired by the Storm in an August trade with the Chicago Steel, was surprised at his selection to wear the A on his jersey.

"Getting the assistant captain really means a lot me, and it shows me what I mean to this team," he said. "My leadership role doesn't necessarily mean on the ice, it means (getting involved) off the ice, being respectful around the community and signing up for appearances and getting yourself out there to try and get more fans in this building."

The Storm opens the 2010-2011 regular season at home on October 1st against the Lincoln Stars and will host the Omaha Lancers on October 2nd at the Viaero Event Center.

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