Phil in Ottawa asks….
Is captaincy important in hockey?
Answer:
Captaincy is only important to the fans.
A captain’s duties are insignificant to the game. While they are supposed to be the only players on the ice who may talk to officials, simple observation reveals that anybody may speak to a referee or linesman. And, the result is always the same. The call is not reversed. Put simply, most captaincy roles are public relations-based. Taking a ceremonial face-off is a gesture for the fans and has no bearing on the match.
One does not need a “C” or an “A” to be a leader. Strong personalities will influence their teammates and feel comfortable addressing the squad. Indeed, legitimate authority is not a prerequisite to lead a hockey team. Referent and expert powers are sufficient.
