Cougars Name Hudson Thornton 29th Captain in Franchise History

September 29, 2023 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Prince George Cougars News Release

PRINCE GEORGE - The Prince George Cougars announced today that defenceman Hudson Thornton has been named the 29th captain in franchise history. Thornton, 20, is entering his fourth and final season with Prince George in the Western Hockey League.

"It's an absolute honour," said the newly appointed captain Thornton. "You look in our room and there are so many good leaders and so many guys who could have worn the C this year. It's a privilege to wear it this year, an honour I don't take lightly, and something I'm looking forward to."

Thornton will play his first game as the team's captain tonight when the Cougars visit the Victoria Royals at 7:00 pm. He will enter the contest having skated in 141 games in his WHL career, where he has recorded 126 points (39-87-126).

The Winnipeg, Manitoba product was selected in the second round, 33rd overall by the Cougars in the 2018 WHL Prospects Draft.

Thornton will succeed Ethan Samson (22-23), Jonny Hooker (21-22), Jack Sander (20-21), Josh Maser (19-20), Josh Curtis (18-19), Dennis Cholowski (17-18), Sam Ruopp (14-17), Troy Bourke (13-14), Dan Gibb and Brock Hirsche (12-13), Brett Connolly (10-11), Garrett Thiessen (09-10), Art Bidlevski (09-10), Cameron Cepek and Dana Tyrell (08-09), Greg Gardner (07-08), Eric Hunter (06-07), Myles Zimmer (04-06), Chris Falloon (03-04), Blake Robson (02-03), Dan Hamhuis (01-02), Justin Cox (00-01), Tyler Bouck (98-00), Andrew Luciuk (97-98), Brad Mehalko (96-97), Geoff Lynch (95-96), Clayton Catellier, and Rob Butz (94-95) as team captain.

Thornton's role as team captain will see him supported by alternate captains Riley Heidt, Zac Funk, and Koehn Ziemmer.

Western Hockey League Stories from September 29, 2023

• Oil Kings Drop Shootout Decision to Lethbridge - Edmonton Oil Kings
• Tigers Double Up Rebels For Third Straight Win - Medicine Hat Tigers
• Raiders Survive Late Surge to Beat Pats 4-3 - Prince Albert Raiders
• Hitmen Shut Out In Swift Current - Calgary Hitmen
• Wheat Kings' Late Push Falls Short in Moose Jaw - Brandon Wheat Kings
• Americans Announce Leadership Group for 2023-24 Season - Tri-City Americans
• Hitmen Announce 2023-24 Leadership Group - Calgary Hitmen
• Cougars Name Hudson Thornton 29th Captain in Franchise History - Prince George Cougars
• Cristall Headed Back To Kelowna From Washington, Will Make Season Debut Tomorrow - Kelowna Rockets
• WHL Clubs to Recognize Orange Shirt Day, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - WHL
• Warriors Look for Redemption against Wheat Kings - Moose Jaw Warriors
• Game Day Preview: Game 3 at Red Deer - Medicine Hat Tigers
• Preview: Cougars Kick-Off First Road Trip in Victoria - Prince George Cougars

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Prince George Cougars Stories

• Josh Ravensbergen Selected 30th Overall by San Jose Sharks at 2025 NHL Draft
• Cougars Claim 2005-Born Forward Kooper Gizowski off WHL Waivers
• Cougars Announce Hockey Operations Updates Ahead of 2025-26 Season
• Cougar Alumnus Zdeno Chara Inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame
• Cougars 2025-2026 Schedule Announced