Currie Loves Wearing the "C" for Rocket
June 26, 2012 - Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL)
P.E.I. Rocket News Release
Rocket captain Josh Currie says it is an honour and an extra special feeling to wear the 'C' for his hometown major junior club.
The 19-year-old Charlottetown, P.E.I. native is entering his fourth Quebec Major Junior Hockey League season with the Rocket and second as a captain. He was named team captain back in January after former captain Matt Hobbs was traded to Victoriaville.
Currie said it is an honour to be named a captain in the league.
"And I'm lucky enough to be one in my hometown."
Currie said he enjoys the added responsibility of being a captain and being the one that everyone looks up to.
"It shows you have respect from your organization and your teammates to be given a letter. I love wearing it."
Currie's responsibilities are making sure the team is ready to go every game, making sure the team is mentally prepared, refocusing the team after bad periods and making sure every player is working hard on the ice.
With that added responsibility are expectations to be met from head coach Gordie Dwyer.
He expects a lot, said Currie.
"Especially with the 'C', he wants me to mentor some of the younger kids, because we have a young team, and take them under my wing and show them what major junior is all about."
As far as mentoring goes, Currie looks at the league as professional hockey and helps show the young players how to be a professional on and off the ice. He also shows them how to get prepared before games and will provide feedback to other players.
At the start of last season, Currie was named an alternate captain along with Pier-Antoine Dion, Ben Duffy to captain Hobbs. There is a big difference from wearing the 'A' to wearing the 'C', said Currie.
"As an assistant captain you have some of the leadership and share it amongst the other captains. Once you get the Captain, you're the leader of that team."
Before becoming a captain, Currie learned a lot from former captains Hobbs and Jean-Philippe Mathieu.
"I took things from what they did and kind of put it into myself. You're always learning and you can always do something better and I definitely learned from those two."
Currie's summer has been all about training. After the season ended, Currie took two weeks off before hitting the gym six days a week for three hours a day.
Currie said he takes his training seriously.
"You have to nowadays, because everyone trains. Everyone is trying to get the upper step on you."
He's been working to put on more muscle and getting faster for next season.
As for next season, Currie said he does not like to set goals, but would like put up more points than he did last season. At the same time he wants to grow into an all-around player and be a leader. Currie also hopes to make a splash in the playoffs with the Rocket.
Although Currie is only 19 at the moment, he will be considered as an overage player next season in the QMJHL. Teams are allowed to have three overage players a season, excluding the new Sherbrooke Phoenix who will be allowed to dress five per game.
It is going to be different, said Currie.
"You've got to be a leader as a 20-year-old. They expect a lot out of you.you're more relied on and depended on in every game and every situation."
Captain Currie and the P.E.I. Rocket open the 2012-2013 campaign at home against the Moncton Wildcats on September 21. Game time is 7 p.m.
Training camp will fire up again on August 13 at the Pownal Sports Centre.
Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Stories from June 26, 2012
- Olympiques Announce New Assistant For The General Manage - Gatineau Olympiques
- Currie Loves Wearing the "C" for Rocket - P.E.I. Rocket
- 2012 CHL Import Draft takes place Wednesday June 27 - QMJHL
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