The alternate captains are playing an even more significant role this fall than most.

With team captain Colton Cyr out all month with a broken jaw, it falls on Nick Bell, Andrew Gladiuk and Dominic Savoie to captain the Nanaimo Clippers’ ship. The three are each wearing an ‘A’ on their jerseys after a team vote last Thursday.

“It means a lot,” said Gladiuk, a returning forward. “I came into camp this year hoping to have a lot more of a leadership role than last year. Obviously I’ve got to give it my all because people are going to be looking to me for leadership. In crunch times I’ve got to really perform.”

There are additional responsibilities that come with wearing a letter, but the players know primarily, they need to stick with what has made them successful to this point.

“I’m just going to keep building on that, being who I am,” said Savoie, another forward. “And helping everyone else on the ice grow as a player and a person.”

Bell said as an alternate captain, he will try to be more positive.

“I’m not really a vocal leader, I’m more of a lead-by-example kind of guy,” the defenceman said. “I’ll work hard every day and do the right things.”

GAME ON … The Nanaimo Clippers hold their B.C. Hockey League home opener this Friday (Sept. 17) when they take on the Surrey Eagles at 7:10 p.m. at Frank Crane Arena. Tickets will be available at the door.

sports@nanaimobulletin.com