Today the Vancouver Canucks named Roberto Luongo captain and Willie Mitchell, Mattias Ohlund and Ryan Kesler as assistant/alternate captains.
So, for the first time in 60 years, a goaltender will be the captain of an NHL franchise. Who saw that one coming? Now it's no secret that Luongo has had a huge presence in the locker room and is essentially the key leader of the team, but naming him captain is interesting to say the least.
I can't say that I disagree with the decision, but I almost have to ask what's the point? Luongo would be one of the top leaders of the team with or without the "C"... err wait a minute he can't where that anyway. Mitchell will essentially be the "on ice captain" in terms of performing the duties of a captain, while Ohlund will act as the captain for ceremonial faceoffs etc. So again what's the point of naming Luongo captain? Why not Mitchell?
I'm a little concerned about what message this sends to the other captain candidates. "Sorry we don't think you're really the right choice to where the 'C', so were giving it to a guy who isn't allowed to even wear it". Obviously the players passed over have too much class to make a stink about it, but if I'm Willie Mitchell or Mattias Ohlund I would feal a little slighted. This situation isn't that big of a deal, but it's something to keep in mind.
Overall this is just an interesting story, it's not going to have much of an affect on the outcome of the season. Still, it will be nice to hear the words "Roberto Luongo come get the Stanley Cup" from Gary Bettman :).
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