Clippers name veteran forward new team captain

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For Kay, leading by example will be his approach to wearing the ‘C’.

Kay Wears the 'C'

Clippers name veteran forward new team captain

1h ago

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“For me it goes back to the old saying that actions speak louder than words. Anyone can talk, but I want to do my best every day to get better and be a role model. Everybody’s on the same level, and nobody’s above anybody else. I hope the team starts to follow, and we’ll all be on the same page.”

Clippers head coach and general manager Colin Birkas said he leaned on both outgoing and returning players to get feedback on who the next captain should be.

Birkas said Kay was the unanimous selection by the players.

“I see the leadership qualities that he has, and it’s a perfect fit. He’s loyal, and he cares deeply about the program. He has a great work ethic, and he includes everybody in the room. He cares about winning and getting to the next level. He wants to do it for himself and so that everyone on the team gets to experience it too.”

The Clippers haven’t announced their assistant captains yet, but Birkas strongly hinted third-year defenceman Hudson Gill would be a part of the leadership group.

Gill missed much of the 25-26 campaign due to injury but did return to the squad in the BCHL Finals in May.

Other 2006-born veterans like Elliot Perreault and Charles Beland will certainly take on a leadership role even if they aren’t officially named as assistants.

There will also be a returning face behind the bench this season, with Gaelan Patterson coming back from the Vancouver Giants to once again serve as an assistant coach.

He will pick up from where he left off in the 24-25 campaign as former assistant Henry Acres moves on to a head coaching job with the Merritt Centennials.

The Clippers begin their four-game exhibition season on Sunday, Sept. 6 in Powell River and have their BCHL regular season opener on Friday, Sept. 18 at Frank Crane Arena against the Alberni Valley Bulldogs.

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