Monday, January 24, 2011

COLDWELL AND KOPITAR NAMED ASSISTANT CAPTAINS

Press Release

The Des Moines Buccaneers and Head Coach & General Manager Regg Simon announced today that defenseman Austin Coldwell and forward Gasper Kopitar have been named assistant captains of the 2010 – 2011 Des Moines Buccaneers. This announcement follows the announcement of Connor Kucera as captain of the team.

“It’s time for our team to start being driven internally and to let them take more ownership in how our organization is represented. Wearing a letter on your jersey, especially in our sport, isn’t something that is just given to you and it comes with a lot of responsibility,” said Coach Simon.

Both Coldwell and Kopitar have showed themselves as leaders in the eyes of the coaching staff.

“If you can put the team before yourself, and care more about “we” as opposed to “me,” you are showing leadership. That’s part of being a guy that genuinely cares about his teammates,” said Coach Simon.

Coldwell, a 20-year-old Vancouver, Washington native, has played for the Buccaneers for two seasons. During the 2009 – 2010 season he appeared in 58 games and accumulated 12 goals and 24 assists. This season he has played in all 28 games for the Buccaneers and has recorded 6 goals and 14 assists. He currently leads the Buccaneers in points with 20 points.

Kopitar, an 18-year-old Jesencice, Slovenia native, is in his first season with the Buccaneers. He has appeared in 23 games and recorded 4 goals and 7 assists.

Both players have proven themselves, on and off the ice, taking part in various community appearances and the Buccaneers “Stick with Reading” program. But Coach Simon is quick to point out that the team has a lot of leadership and confidence.

“We have a room full of guys that can be leaders in their own way. Just because you don’t have a patch on your jersey doesn’t mean you can’t be a leader,” said Coach Simon.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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