Press Release
AMARILLO, TX – Finding the right leaders is the key ingredient for the success of any sports team. The defending Robertson Cup champion Amarillo Bulls announced four alternate captains that will add the leadership both on and off the ice.
Forwards Matt Sieckhaus and Mike Davis have been joined by defensemen Brendan Vetter and Joe Grabowski who will serve as alternate captains. Bulls Head Coach Dennis Williams said that it’s been something that the coaching staff has discussed for quite some time.
“Since we arrived August 15th we have been trying to identify guys,” said Williams. “It may have taken us a little bit longer that what we have expected. We are not just ones to give it out to just anybody whether they are 20 year-olds, or the leading goal scorer. They have to prove to us they can do it.”
Derek Hills was the first Bulls’ Captain in franchise history and in year two the duties were shared between Joe Kozlak and Matt Johnson with several Alternate Captains being used. Last year, John Rey served as Captain with TJ Sarcona and Geoff Fortman working as Alternates.
Williams said what they want to do is put the team and the Alternate Captains in the best situation to have a successful year.
“We just didn’t think it was fair for one player to be in the Captaincy role where there is a lot of learning and expectations,” he said. “We thought it was best to make a group of them to oversee the team.”
Matt Siekhaus, is second on the team in scoring with four goals and seven assists for 11 points. He has four power play goals. Defenseman Joe Grabowski has netted three goals and collected six assists for nine points, while forward Mike Davis has added two goals and seven assists for nine points. Defenseman Brendan Vetter has also had a solid year since his arrival in the Texas Panhandle with a goal and four assists for five points. Williams said they all bring something different to the team.
“Mike Davis and Joe Grabowski are more vocal leaders, have a comfort level with us and work extremely hard,” he said. “Brendan Vetter came to us from Kalamazoo, and he has been a complete warrior on defense. He blocks pucks and nothing phases him.
“Matt Sieckhaus had a great season for us a year ago in the shadows of some of the other guys. He has been a staple to our work ethic since he got here. He led everyone in dry land training and he pushes guys. You watch how he plays and he goes all out scoring goals, hitting guys, and doing whatever it takes to win.”
(Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)
KOTP Ep. 184 – The Final 15
7 hours ago
No comments:
Post a Comment