"C" On The Sweater (Team Captains)

NHL hockey teams are the only organized major sports teams that still officially recognize a Team Captain (and at least one Assistant Captain). Teams in the other major sports recognize captains to varying degrees (for instance, the players on NFL teams that go out to the 50-yard line for the pre-game coin toss to determine opening possession are referred to as captains), but those teams may have more than one captain and the designation is often unofficial. Baseball and basketball teams typically have at least one player, usually a veteran, whom the other players acknowledge and recognize as the "leader" of the team, but he doesn't wear the captain's "C" on his sweater (hockey is also unique in referring to the piece of clothing worn over the torso as a sweater rather than a jersey or uniform). Only one player on a hockey team wears the "C", and only hockey has retained this custom. For me, it's a big part of the sport's charm and appeal.

It's considered an honor in hockey to be named Captain. Players covet it and wear the "C" with pride. Some teams, the Minnesota Wild among them, designate a new Captain each month, along with two Assistant Captains, who wear "A" on their sweaters, as is also the custom around the league. The Captain is the only player who ever speaks to the officials. If there's a questionable call or a disputed goal, it's the Captain who will discuss the situation with the referee and then relay the interpretation to his teammates and coaches. The Captain is the unquestioned leader on the ice. He often leads by example, but he may also be the type of leader who will get in the face of a player who is underperforming or not hustling and attempt to motivate and inspire him. His words may mean more than the coach's words because he's a player, too.
There is no better illustration of the importance and impact of the role of Team Captain than the example of Mike Eruzione of the "Miracle On Ice" U.S. Olympic Men's Hockey Team of 1980. Eruzione was far from the most talented player on that team, and he was in danger of being cut by Coach Herb Brooks right up until shortly before the Games started. Yet, it was Eruzione who first grasped the concept that this collection of players, who were from different states and had been bitter rivals in the past, HAD to become One Team or they would not succeed (although the account of Eruzione gasping, "I play for.....the United States....of America" after the punitive, marathon session of "Herbies" in the movie "Miracle" may have been at least partially fictionalized for dramatic effect). Fittingly, it was Eruzione who scored the biggest goal in the history of U.S. Olympic Hockey, the goal that beat the Soviets to send the team to the gold medal game.

So, the next time you watch a hockey game, look for the player with the "C" on his jersey and watch him or her. You may not be watching the best player on the team, but you will most likely be watching the one the other players look up to and admire the most.


Cheers!