Wildcats Name Team Captains
October 4, 2016 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Wichita Falls Wildcats News Release
The Wildcats have named Seamus Donohue (20) as Captain for the 2016-2017 season. Ryan Burnett (19), Ryan Orgel (19) and Aleksi Poikola (20) have been named Alternate Captains.
"Seamus has shown to be a leader on and off the ice since Day 1," Wildcats Head Coach Tony Curtale said. "He's played hard, he's played through injuries, and we feel he's been a good influence on the young guys off the ice."
Donohue is the first captain of the Wildcats since Sam Piazza had the honor in the 2013-2014 season. For two seasons under John LaFontaine, certain players carried out captain duties on and off the ice, but no one was ever officially given the title.
Donohue has flaunted his well-documented skills as a puck-moving defenseman through the first ten games of the season. An incredibly smooth skater, he moves effortlessly all over the ice. His vision and passing ability also make him a threat from every angle. A soft-spoken veteran, he brings a calming presence to the group and has proven he won't hesitate to drop the gloves to ignite his teammates.
Burnett and Poikola currently lead the Wildcats in scoring with ten and nine points, respectively. They are the only two returning forwards this season and have been the team's most versatile tandem, excelling at even strength, on the power play, and on the penalty kill.
Orgel is another veteran of junior hockey, having played in the Central Canada Hockey League last season with the Brockville Braves. On top of his experience, Orgel's explosive speed, goal-scoring touch, and defensive awareness make him a dynamic force from the blue line.
"All three of them are veterans with strong character," Curtale said of the Alternate Captains. "Together, we feel like this group can create the culture that we need to become a great team and win a championship."
• Discuss this story on the North American Hockey League message board...
North American Hockey League Stories from October 4, 2016
- Wildcats Name Team Captains - Wichita Falls Wildcats
- Springfield Jr. Blues News and Notes - Springfield Jr. Blues
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.
