Several new captains have been named around the OHL since the conclusion of the Trade Deadline, including Liam Greentree, Coulson Pitre, Gavin Bryant & Beau Jelsma.
Since the OHL Trade Deadline, several OHL teams have named a new captain for the remainder of the season. A lot of these teams are not currently contending teams, and are looking for some leadership to guide them higher into the standings.
Windsor, Flint, Niagara, and Barrie have all named new captains. Three are veteran 2004-born players that have lots of experience in this league, and one is a draft eligible prospect.
Liam Greentree, Windsor Spitfires
2006-born winger Liam Greentree has been named captain of the Windsor Spitfires.
The Spitfires have been "sellers" all season long, but Greentree has been a consistent contributor. He has been so dominant as a seventeen-year-old, that he has worked himself into many draft talks ahead of June.
Greentree's quickness, hands, and shot release make him dangerous in the offensive zone. He is able to command Windsor's offence everytime he is on the ice, the puck always goes through his hands.
Naming Greentree captain makes sense for the future of the Spitfires. They are a very young team, and as every player develops, Greentree will be leading that development.
Coulson Pitre, Flint Firebirds
Anaheim Ducks draft pick Coulson Pitre has been named captain of the Flint Firebirds, who have also had an underwhelming season. Pitre leads the Firebirds in scoring, and leads the team in every game situation.
Pitre has become a threat at five-on-five, but also on the powerplay and penalty kill. He leads both special teams units, and has been able to generate offence while short handed.
His physical toughness and compete are coveted abilities at this level, and serve as a role model to his younger teammates. Coulson also plays with his younger brother Kaden, as the Pitre's have become a big part of Flint's organization overall.
Gavin Bryant, Niagara IceDogs
The Niagara IceDogs have taken a step in the right direction this season, and Gavin Bryant's presence has been a big part in that. Bryant is a constant example of hard work and determination when he is on the ice. He never takes a shift off and he will take sacrifices for the team.
This is the type of player that serves as a good captain, as Bryant will continue to create a competitive culture in Niagara.
Beau Jelsma, Barrie Colts
Long time Barrie Colt Beau Jelsma has been named captain of the Barrie Colts. No other captaincy makes more sense than this one. Jelsma has been a significant part of the Colts ever since he entered the OHL, and has been their first line centre for the past two seasons.
Jelsma's complete, two-hundred-foot game and speed has been an asset for the Colts run-and-gun style of game. Visually, Jelsma is a good leader on the ice. He seems to always make his teammates better and take on any role with enthusiasm.
Jelsma has yet to hear his name called at the NHL Draft, but it would be surprising if he didn't pick up a professional contract before the end of his major junior career.