Captain (ice hockey) facts for kids

A captain in ice hockey is a special player chosen to be the team leader. They are usually picked by the head coach or voted for by their teammates. Sometimes, even a goalie can be a captain!

A captain's main job is to talk with the referees when the game stops. They help explain things between the referee and their coach. Captains also inspire their teammates and make sure everyone plays well together. They represent the team in a professional way and sometimes help out in their local communities. Besides the captain, teams also have assistant captains who help with these important duties.

What Does a Captain Do?

A captain has many important roles on an ice hockey team. They are the voice of the players on the ice.

Talking with Referees

One of the most important jobs for a captain is to communicate with the referees. If there's a question about a penalty or a play, the captain is the only player allowed to discuss it with the referee. This helps keep the game fair and clear for everyone. They then tell their coach what the referee said.

Leading and Motivating Teammates

Captains are leaders. They encourage their teammates to do their best, especially when the game is tough. They help keep the team focused and positive. A good captain sets an example for everyone, both on and off the ice. They show what it means to be a dedicated and respectful player.

Representing the Team

Captains often represent their team at events or in the media. They speak for the team and show good sportsmanship. This means they act professionally and respectfully, whether they win or lose. They are like the public face of the team.

Assistant Captains

Most hockey teams also have one or more assistant captains. These players wear an "A" on their jersey, while the captain wears a "C". Assistant captains help the captain with their duties. If the captain is not on the ice, an assistant captain can talk to the referees instead. They are also leaders and help support the team.

Who Can Be a Captain?

Any player can be chosen as a captain, but it's usually someone with a lot of experience. They are often older players who have been with the team for a while. They need to be good communicators and have a strong understanding of the game rules. Most importantly, they must earn the respect of their teammates and coaches.

History of the Captaincy

The idea of having a captain in sports has been around for a long time. In hockey, the role became more formal over the years. The "C" and "A" on jerseys help everyone, including fans and referees, know who the leaders are. This tradition helps keep the game organized and fair.

Images for kids

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  Shane Doan, wearing the "C" as captain of the Phoenix Coyotes

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  Captains Nicklas Lidstrom of the Detroit Red Wings (right) and Ryan Getzlaf of the Anaheim Ducks (middle) talk with a referee

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  Evgeni Malkin in 2017: the "A" is commonly on the left side of the jersey (from wearer's perspective)