The North Bay Battalion has named Riley Bruce as captain for the 2016-17 season. Zach Shankar, Brett McKenzie and Cam Dineen have also been named as assistant captains.
Bruce is a hulking 6’7 defenceman from Carp, Ontario. He was drafted in the 7th round of the NHL draft by the Calgary Flames. This will be his 4th season as a member of the Battalion. Head Coach Stan Butler made the announcement today, and says it was natural progression for Bruce to be named captain. He served as an assistant last year.
Butler says Bruce does everything right on and off the ice. He says Bruce is the type of human being that he wants his younger players to look at and learn from. Butler also added Bruce represents the Battalion positively not only on the ice, but in the community.
As far as the assistant captains are concerned, Butler believes he’s got a strong leadership core on his squad. He mentioned the fact that Zach Shankar moved away from home at a young age, and waited patiently to move up the depth chart. Brett McKenzie is also entering his 4th season with the Battalion. Butler mentioned the fact he’s been around Battalion captains like Barclay Goodrow, Marcus McIvor and Michael Amadio, so he knows how to do things the right way. Butler called Cam Dineen a quiet leader, something he’s always had success with in his career.
Now the Troops set their sights on Friday’s home opener against the Niagara Ice Dogs. McKenzie, Bruce and Dineen are all still at NHL camps and won’t be available. Goaltender Brent Moran is back from Chicago’s camp, but Butler wouldn’t commit to him starting until he gets a look at him.
