Kitchener names Habs prospect Andrew MacNiel as Captain, Leafs Bilecki and Isles Romano among Assistants
The OHL Championship reigning Kitchener Rangers have named Montreal Canadiens prospect Andrew MacNiel as the team's 61st franchise captain.
MacNiel, 19, was a sixth round selection of the Canadiens in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, 189th overall. MacNiel takes over Kitchener's captaincy from defenseman Cameron Reid, with the Predators 2024 first rounder headed to the NCAA with the Michigan Wolverines.
According to a statement released by the club, MacNiel was chosen for the captaincy in part for showing "strong leadership" as a member of the Rangers.
"MacNiel’s selection as captain is a reflection of the strong leadership he has shown throughout his time with the Rangers, both in the dressing room and in the community", said a team statement. "The Montreal Canadiens prospect leads with maturity, accountability, and a team-first approach that sets the standard for those around him."
MacNiel said being named captain "meant everything to me". He added, "To be able to lead such an historic franchise is an honour and a privilege. I was lucky enough to learn from two great captains in Cam Reid and Matt Andonovski, and I feel ready to lead this group into battle every night".
Rangers head coach Jeff Kyrzakos praised MacNiel and called him gaining the 'C' as earned. "Andrew is a natural leader and a great teammate", said Kyrzakos. "He’s a competitor with [sic] plays a fearless game. He has everything you want in a Captain and he’s earned this".
Along with MacNiel, Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Alexander Bilecki was named as an assistant captain. Bilecki was drafted in the second round, 60th overall, by Toronto in the 2026 NHL Draft.
Also named as an assistant was New York Islanders 2025 third round pick Luca Romano. Additionally, Tanner Lam was named as the team's third assistant for home games, with Cameron Arquette rotating the role on the road.
Kitchener begins its season tomorrow, Friday, against the Owen Sound Attack at home at 7:00p.m. EST. The Rangers say they will be hosting a pre-game ceremony to raise both their Robertson Cup and Memorial Cup banners.
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