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Laval Rocket Name New Captain |
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The Montreal Canadiens AHL affiliate announce the franchise's fifth captain.
by Chris G, Rocket Sports, Montreal Canadiens Blogger
The Laval Rocket announced on Friday that Lucas Condotta is the franchise's fifth captain, following Gabriel Bourque's retirement.
The selection was made by Pascal Vincent and his coaching staff. “I asked a million questions to a million people and the unanimous answer was always, Condotta," Vincent said, calling it an easy decision.
“His qualities of bringing people together, his abilities on the ice especially his work ethic, how he communicates and works on the ice and has experience playing in the league.”
The 26-year-old signed a two-way contract with the Montreal Canadiens in April 2022, after spending four years with the NCAA's UMass-Lowell. Since he joined Laval, he has collected 51 points in 144 games.
"Lead by example, work ethic and hopefully being able to bring the best out of my teammates,” Condotta wants to bring to the squad. “It’s important to know the ins and outs of the league, and to know what it’s like to play in Laval. With a young group this year, there’s going to be ups and downs, it’s managing those highs and lows. It’s a big job, but I’m really looking forward to it.”
The Georgetown, Ontario native has dressed for four games with the NHL club and is still pursuing the opportunity to return. “While I’m here, I’m going to be the captain and push my teammates to be the best they can be. You have to do well [in the AHL] to get [to the NHL]”.
Condotta roomed with the departing captain on road games last season and still keeps in touch with him. “One thing about [Bourque] is that he came to work every day, he was definitely the hardest worker on the ice and played very hard. He was so positive and always in a good mood. Those are some of the things that I plan to bring into this year’s team.”
The veterans Brandon Gignac and Tyler Wotherspoon will serve as alternate captains. Gignac is entering his fourth season as a Rocket, while Wotherspoon signed a contract with the club during the off-season.
“I couldn’t ask for better [alternates.] Obviously, Gignac has been here for a long time. He is good at planning things outside the rink, and he is great at bringing people together. He has always been there to support the younger players and to make them feel included. Wotherspoon is new to the team, but obviously he’s played a lot of pro games and he’ll be a big brother to a lot of those guys," noted the newly named captain.
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
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