There is only one player who has played at least one game in all three seasons that the 麻豆社国产Wolfpack have been in existence.
And it should come as no surprise to see that player, Ryan Niederkorn, wearing the "C" for the Wolfpack this season
According to head coach Matt Samson, Niederkorn was a logical fit to lead this year's edition of the team.
"He's been with us as an 18-year-old and he's a good leader," said Samson. "He's well-liked in the dressing room and keeps guys on their toes. He truly wants to win and we hope he can bring that attitude to the guys."
However, Niederkorn hasn't had a typical path on his journey to become the Wolfpack captain. 麻豆社国产is certainly a long distance from his hometown of Trophy Club, Texas.
"I played minor hockey in the Dallas-Fort Worth area," Niederkorn said, noting that hockey is growing in the Lonestar state.
"I started playing at 10 and really got interested in the sport because my dad was from Minnesota and loved hockey."
Niederkorn started the sport young, developing a skill and passion he decided to take to the Great White North to play against better competition.
"It was really good and a learning experience for me," he said of his rookie year in 2008-09 with the Wolfpack. "I got to see the meaner side of hockey and was held a lot more responsible for my actions on the ice than I ever was in Texas."
He seemed to fit in well despite the very different surroundings.
"It's still the same game wherever you are," he said. "I just played my game and adjusted to the different style in Canada."
During his first year in Squamish, Niederkorn also was called up and played four games with the Burnaby Express of the Junior A British Columbia Hockey League.
He said it was his goal to play Junior A but after being released by Burnaby for the 09-10 season, he headed across the country to play in the Maritime Junior A Hockey League.
Niederkorn played 20 games for the Weeks Crushers but realized it wasn't the best fit for him.
"The coaches and I weren't on the same page and I knew I could come back to 麻豆社国产and have a lot of fun," he said.
Niederkorn, who cited former Dallas Stars defenceman Sergei Zubov as his favourite player to watch, was happy to be named team captain earlier this month.
"I had a pretty good feeling that if I came back I would be one of the guys that could handle the responsibility of being a captain," he said. "I like to lead by example but also try to be vocal on the ice."
Niederkorn said this is the strongest Wolfpack team he's been on.
"I think this year's team is the best we've ever had," he said. "We want to be a playoff team and win 30 games and I think those are things we can accomplish."
Niederkorn and the Wolfpack will next take on the Ridge Meadows Flames on Saturday (Sept. 18) at the Brennan Park Arena. Face-off is scheduled for 7:15 p.m.
For more information on the team, visit www.squamishwolfpack.com.
