n the next couple weeks, the Blackhawks will name the 42nd captain in
franchise history. New coach Trent Yawney hasa radical way of
deciding who will wear the "C"-he's going to let the players vote on it.



It seems like such a smart idea. The captain is, after all, the captain
of the players and the players should be the ones to decide who will be
their leader. Yet more often than not, the captain is chosen by the
coaches.



Yawney first came up with the idea when he became head coach in Norfolk
of the American League and the player's first selection was journeyman
tough guy Aaron Downey. While that choice may have seemed strange to
those outside the team, it was a reflection of Downey's work ethic, his
willingness to standup for teammates and be
accountable-traitsfound in the best captains.



Hockey is unique in its reverence for the captaincy. Other sports have
them, football has captains for the offense, defense and special teams.
Basketball has captains and some baseball teams have them with Derek
Jeter perhaps being the most famous of that final group.



But the captain in hockey has a special aura to it. He is distinguished
by wearing the letter on his sweater and he has two alternates, or
assistants, that serve with him.



With so much changing in sports and the world, the esteem in which NHL
teams have for the captain is comforting in a way-much like Hockey
Night in Canada, it is a testament to a sense of normalcy. You know
that on Saturday nights, the Leafs are going to be at home and if you
can stay up late, Edmonton or Vancouver will be on right after. No
matter how much changes in the NHL, there are still going to be 30
individuals who will have a "C" on their sweaters leading their mates
into battle.



I don't know who the Hawks will vote to succeed Alex Zhamnov. There are
no shortage of qualified candidates with nine new free agents and a
stable of solid, young players.



The interesting aspect is whether a newcomer-say an Adrian Aucoin or
Martin Lapointe-gets the job, or whether one of the core players is
elected.



I don't get a vote, only an opinion, and it's my opinion that someone
who has been in Chicago the last couple seasons should be given the
honor. Someone who was here when the franchise was at the bottom should
now get the chance to lead it into a new era.



Of the old guard, it would seem as though the best choice would be Mark Bell.



It was about three years ago, on a cold January night when the Hawks
were hosting the St. Louis Blues that Bell put on display his
leadership skills for all to see.



It was while the Hawks were in a brief renaissance and on their way to
the playoffs. The United Center was packed for a key game against the
arch-rival Blues and late in the first period, St. Louis' Keith Tkachuk
started taking liberties with Zhamnov.



Bell came to his captain's aide, jumping Tkachuk and holding his own
against one of the league's tough guys. In the perverse justice of the
NHL, it was Bell who was dealt the harshest penalties-roughing,
fighting, instigator, you name it, Bell sat for it. But in the process,
he also climbed the ladder in the minds of many who value the kind of
leadership and courage he displayed.



Off the ice, Bell has become the one to organize meals and outings on
the road and make sure younger players are made welcome. With his
movie-star looks, he is adored by teenage girls and has become one of
the team's best spokesmen at public events.



For the media, he's become that most coveted of players-the go-to guy.
Well-spoken, insightful and honest, Bell doesn't hide behind clichés or
excuses. He's also someone not afraid to stand up to the coach
and speak his mind-a quality Yawney wants.



With the addition of veterans such as Lapointe, Aucoin, Jassen
Cullimore, Curtis Brown and Jim Dowd, the next captain will have a lot
of leadership to call upon and can focus his attentions on the younger
players and the three or four rookies expected to make the team.



Bell isn't that far removed from being a young player trying to find
his way in the NHL. He's been a good example without wearing a letter,
now may be the time to make it official.

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