The newest captain of the Grande Prairie trend continues an old trend.
Taylor Cote, a native of Falher, is the 13th Peace Country hockey product to wear the “C” with the Peace Country's only Junior A hockey club.
He joins Spencer Bettenson (Hines Creek), Jason Abel (Slave Lake), Mike Mohr (Falher), Adam Loncan (Dawson Creek), Mike Lefley (Spirit River), Jordan Menzies (Grande Prairie), Mark Malekoff (Grande Prairie), Trevor Mazurek (Eaglesham), Andrew Buote (Grande Prairie), Blake Clement (Grande Prairie), Tanner Fritz (Grande Prairie) and Darren Kramer (Peace River) as those who have been given the prestigious honor. Chris Wilson, Scott McNeill and Mitch Neumeier are the only players who wore the “C” for at least and season and weren't from the area.
Two of the assistants are Scott Milnthorp and Sasha Larocque. A third may be named later.
Cote has been with the Storm since 2009, but because of injury has played in just 58 games wth two goals and six assists and 146 penalty minutes.
“Taylor is the perfect fit to be our captain this season,” said Storm coach/general manager Blaine Bablitz. “He is a Peace Country kid that bleeds the Storm colors every day. He has a very clear understanding of what I want this team to be about for the upcoming season. His work ethic and maturity will be a great example for all of our younger players to follow.”
Milnthorp has played 103 games with the Storm over three seasons. The Calgary native is 20 years old.
“Scott was our top defenceman and our team MVP last season. He is a great kid that has put al ot of time in to the Storm program and the community with his involvement with the Edge program. “
Larocque, like Milnthorp is a defenceman and is also from Calgary. The 18 year old is into his second year with the team after playing 29 games with the club last year.
“Sasha is already going in to his third year in the AJHL and is only 18. He will be a great leader and his maturity greatly exceeds his age. He will be a great avenue for the younger players to turn to as a younger leader on our team. He will be leaned on in years to come to guide our program with his leadership.”
All three get a chance to show off their letters when the team opens its regular season in Sherwood Park with a game against the Crusaders tonight. Saturday the team heads to Camrose to take on the Kodiaks.
The GT’s Oilfield Hauling/Isolation Equipment Services Home Opener Weekend is Sept. 14-15 when the Storm host the Lloydminster Bobcats. Game time is 7:30 p.m. and the weekend will be highlighted by a visit from one man circus Balanzo.
