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Thrashers Have A Captain!
Posted by:
Ben Wright on
October 2, 2007 at
6:16PM EST
Ladies and gentlemen, we have a captain. Five of them to be exact. this press
release will be going up on the front page of the site within the next hour or
so:
Bobby Holik Named Atlanta Thrashers Team Captain
Havelid, Hossa, Kovalchuk and Kozlov to Serve as Assistant Captains
The Atlanta Thrashers have named veteran center Bobby Holik team captain,
according to Executive Vice President and General Manager Don Waddell. It
was also announced that Niclas Havelid, Marian Hossa, Ilya Kovalchuk and
Vyacheslav Kozlov will serve as assistant captains on an alternating basis.
Four of the players have served as assistant captains for the Thrashers
previously – Holik (2005-06 and 2006-07), Havelid (2006-07), Hossa (2006-07)
and Kozlov (2002-03, 2003-04, 2005-06 and 2006-07) – with Kovalchuk entering
his first season as an assistant captain. The five players have combined for
3,618 games and 52 seasons of NHL experience, 340 games of NHL playoff
experience and four Stanley Cup Championships.
Holik, a 16-year NHL veteran and winner of two Stanley Cups (New Jersey in
1995 and 2000), has served as a Thrashers assistant captain since signing
with the team as a free agent on Aug. 2, 2005. He has appeared in 1,170 NHL
games with Hartford, New Jersey, the NY Rangers and the Thrashers, recording
704 points (307 goals, 397 assists) and amassing 1,267 penalty minutes. The
6-4, 230-pound native of the Czech Republic has appeared in 146 games over
two seasons as a Thrasher, recording 62 points (26 goals, 36 assists). In
138 playoff games with Hartford, New Jersey and Atlanta, he has tallied 58
points (20 goals, 38 assists), including one assist in four games in the
Thrashers first playoff appearance last season.
“Our group of leaders know what it takes to be successful in this league,”
said Head Coach Bob Hartley. “They are all high-character individuals who
lead by example and are committed to our goals as a team.”
Havelid, acquired from Anaheim on June 26, 2004, has recorded 138 points (31
goals, 107 assists) in 469 NHL games with the Ducks and Thrashers. He has
appeared in 25 post-season contests, tallying six assists while helping
Anaheim to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2003.
Hossa has totaled 582 points (270 goals, 312 assists) in 629 NHL games with
Ottawa and the Thrashers. Acquired from the Senators on Aug. 23, 2005, Hossa
has appeared in 162 games with the Thrashers, tallying 192 points (82 goals,
110 assists). In 55 career playoff games with Ottawa and Atlanta, he has
tallied 35 points (13 goals, 22 assists).
Kovalchuk was drafted by the Thrashers first overall in the 2001 NHL Entry
Draft and has appeared in 387 games for the team, recording 379 points (202
goals, 177 assists). He recorded two points (one goal, one assist) in four
games during the first post-season action of his NHL career.
Kozlov, a 15-year NHL veteran and winner of two Stanley Cups (Detroit in
1997 and 1998), has registered 710 points (305 goals, 405 assists) in 963
NHL games with the Red Wings, Sabres and Thrashers. Since coming to Atlanta
in a draft-day trade on June 22, 2002, Kozlov has appeared in 318 games with
the Thrashers, tallying 273 points (94 goals, 179 assists) while setting
career-highs for points (80) and assists (52) last season.
The Thrasher 2007-08 regular season begins on Friday, Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m.
when they host the Washington Capitals at Philips Arena.
What do you think? Hartley and the coaching staff had plenty of players to
choose from but in the end Bobby Holik makes plenty of sense. He's gritty, he's
vocal, he has the respect of the other players an he's been an NHL regular for
16 years. And the two Cup rings certainly help. I don't think it's a surprise
that Hossa, Havelid and Kozlov return as assistants/alternates. They all did
fine jobs last season and certainly deserve the honor again. But how about Ilya
Kovalchuk? Did you see that one coming? I think the 'A' will suit him well and I
see it as a reward for his growth as a player over the last season. If you saw
this NHL.com article you might have noticed this quote:
“I think that’s the first time ever I play with that kind of guy, so I hope
we’re going to be a plus. That’s my only goal. That, and make the playoffs.”
That's right- the only things Kovy cares about are making the playoffs again
and being a plus player. That's a sign of maturity and growth, and an
understanding of how his play impacts the rest of the team. Good for him. With
great talent comes great responsibility. That's the Spider-Man quote, right?
Regardless, it's nice to see Ilya growing into a great player and a great
leader. If Slava is the computer or brains of the team and Bobby Holik is the
voice, Ilya is the heart, as he showed during the playoffs.
(29) Comments
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Posted by: marcus on October 2, 2007 6:31PM EST
Good choices! I kind of wanted Slava to get the 'C', but I think Bobby was a great choice; I think he's going to step it up big time with a 'C' on his jersey.
Kovy is a no-brainer for an Assistant. He plays with the most passion out of anyone on the team, congrats to him. The 'A' will boost his game too, it shows that the organization has faith in him as a leader. Exelby will get his turn....
GO THRASH!
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Posted by: Rich on October 2, 2007 6:34PM EST
I think Ilya definitely deserves the "A". He is the definitely the heart of this team. He will be here fro years and I think it was a smart move by Hartley.
Giving him the opportunity to lead will make him a better player.
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Posted by: Will on October 2, 2007 7:19PM EST
dang it, now i am going to have to find an A to go on my Kovy jersey
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Posted by: cinemo on October 2, 2007 7:20PM EST
looks like we're going to have to add 'A's to the Kovalchuk Army shirts. Yay!
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Posted by: veronica Easterwood on October 2, 2007 7:34PM EST
I feel that Bobby will probaby do a good job, but i think Exelby would have been better, because he is always ready and excxited for every game, he gets the team, firedup or pumped up and he plays with heart like Kovy, and Slava.
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Posted by: dan on October 2, 2007 8:53PM EST
um... the a stands for alternate not assistant...
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Posted by: Can hardly wait on October 2, 2007 8:59PM EST
I can see why they chose Bobby. Maybe he can light that fire (he calls it killer instinct) for the play offs.
I agree with the statement that there are are a many good choices for a captain and assistant captains on this team.
As far as Kovy is concerned, it is time. I do not agree with the idea that Kovy grew up over the summer. He has been a team player. He was condemmed for his big celebration 2 seasons ago in Tampa when he scored his 50th goal. It was because he was able to score in the last few seconds of the game. He stated in his interview that he did not think about the 50 points. Last year he put the team first and set up plays instead concentrating on being a sniper and getting the goals himself. He has always played with passion and at times it showed. That is as it should be. It is time for him to step into the leadership role.
Congrats to each of them. They will represent their team well.
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Posted by: keep the faith on October 2, 2007 9:34PM EST
No surprise in the selections of Holik, Hossa, Kovloz, and Havelid as they all wore the "A" last year. I am so glad Kovy gets an "A" this year. He has always been criticized for his celebrations and has been labeled as a me first kind of guy but I do not buy that. I see his celebrations as an extension of his passion. If he was really a me first kind of guy we would have heard him complain the entire year last year when he had to basically be a one man line, no offense to any of his linemates last year but let's face it, none of them could keep up with him. He deserves to wear the "A", I think he is going to have a monster year, I think he will obtain his goal of being a plus player and I think he is going to score at least 50 goals.
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Posted by: Liberation on October 2, 2007 10:28PM EST
Should've been Slava. Who even knows if Holik will be around next season? I hate us changing captains so often.
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Posted by: Ibleedice on October 2, 2007 10:45PM EST
Go Bobby baby! He deserves the C. He will lead this Thrasher team to the playoffs....and to the cup! He's got what it takes and isn't afraid to hold people accountable for their actions, including himself. Get ready for a great season Thrasher fans! We got a wonderful captain and I cannot wait for the season to start!
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Posted by: Chris on October 2, 2007 11:30PM EST
I think that Kovy has progressed exponentially since he was drafted. I think that the 'A' will be good for him. I was thinking that Slava was going to get the 'C', but Holik will fit that role too. Hossa and Havelid have already experienced the extra weight on their respective jerseys and I know that they are up to the task. This is a good group of leaders that we have on the ice and they will help us capture another division title this year. Go Thrash!
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Posted by: Mr. Wright on October 3, 2007 3:53AM EST
No, the Spider Man quote is "With great power comes great responsibility.:
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Posted by: Paminski on October 3, 2007 9:34AM EST
Holik was a great decision. Though the playoff sweep last season was deeply disappointing, Bobby never let it get to him on the ice. He was still making plays and setting things up when things looked utterly hopeless. If he can do that in the face of loss, imagine what he can do when spirits are up.
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Posted by: peter on October 3, 2007 9:44AM EST
czechoslovakian leaders of trashers!!! the best
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Posted by: Daniel on October 3, 2007 11:13AM EST
yeah I think Boby has enough expreiance, and motivation to lead the team, wonder why Exelby didn't get the A...
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Posted by: J.B. on October 3, 2007 12:24PM EST
Fine choices in my opinion... will there be a photo gallery posted from the event last night?
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Posted by: Ben Wright on October 3, 2007 12:42PM EST
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Posted by: Joe on October 3, 2007 1:36PM EST
Great choices, all. We may have the ugliest face for a captain in the league, but I think he's exactly what the team needs. I hope by putting the A on Kovy's jersey he'll become a real leader by example and help bring on some of the young guys.
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Posted by: Iceman on October 3, 2007 1:53PM EST
Good line up for the command, though I kind of hoped Kozlov would get the C.
BELIEVE IN BLUELAND!!!!
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Posted by: Thrash018 on October 3, 2007 2:10PM EST
Bobby is a good choice, but now he is going to have to learn to control his temper. Hope you have a great year Bobby; maybe being captain will help.
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Posted by: Jeremy on October 3, 2007 3:11PM EST
Hossa should have been captain! Dont get me wrong i think holik is a good selection but i thunk hossa is their team. I agree it could have gonna to kozlov because been around alot.
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Posted by: r on October 3, 2007 4:56PM EST
These men do not have to have a C or an A on their shirt to be an outstanding leader. They have been team working together. I have seen Brad Larson step up and settle his team mates down when they needed it. To me, Koslov and Hossa are incrediable all round examples to the team. We have watched Kovy from the time he was a young man and know what his passion brings to the team. The only thing Bobby adds is temper and grit. Maybe that is what we need this year. The C is an honor and maybe others deserve it more as an honor. But the job requires someone to step up like Melenby did when Washington went crazy. The others would not shy away from it, but we would not want them ejected from the game. That would serve the other teams purpose.
We all seem to agree that this is a great group of guys that deserve our respce.
DROP THE PUCK ALREADY.
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Posted by: Anonymous on October 3, 2007 5:06PM EST
i'm really excited about this season... we have a great team, and an amazing captain... Go thrashers!!
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Posted by: Hockey Mom on October 3, 2007 9:01PM EST
I was so excited last night when they announced Ilya as an alternate and Bobby as the captain. Ilya has grown and become more of an all around player, Bobby gets my vote because I believe he can get the team out of the duldrums when needed.
Ilya's heart, Bobby's drive...Go Thrasher!!! 07-08 is looking real goooood!!
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Posted by: TNT on October 3, 2007 9:17PM EST
r brought up a good point. A "C" has to step up and fight, which Bobby will do without hesitation. We can afford to lose him for 5 minutes, while we need Kozlov and Hoss on the ice all we can get. If Bobby can play with the intensity he had in the playoffs, he'll do great. Kovy will make a good "A", but I would have liked to see Larsen get it. I am so ready for Friday night.
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Posted by: Kovalchuk Fan on October 3, 2007 11:15PM EST
I was walking into the arena when Kovy was introduced as Alternate, its great and ive been waiting for him to have an A for a long time. On the other hand, with all due respect to Bobby Holik, i think Hossa or Kozlov should have been Captain. Hossa is a great leader and so is kozlov and they will probably stick around longer than Bobby, but this was hartles choice and im sure the whole team agreed with it.
GO THRASHERS
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Posted by: Kovalchuk Fan on October 3, 2007 11:15PM EST
I was walking into the arena when Kovy was introduced as Alternate, its great and ive been waiting for him to have an A for a long time. On the other hand, with all due respect to Bobby Holik, i think Hossa or Kozlov should have been Captain. Hossa is a great leader and so is kozlov and they will probably stick around longer than Bobby, but this was hartles choice and im sure the whole team agreed with it.
GO THRASHERS
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Posted by: Happy to see Hockey again on October 4, 2007 3:02AM EST
I think Holik is a good choice. Kovi has a bit too much of a big head for a C, but an A is ok, I think.
I am just thrilled to see hockey again.
I want to thank the kind owners, staffers, and fans who were at the open practice on the morning of the 22nd. My hubby & I had decided we could not look at one more broken tree or ruined house for a bit down here on Mississippi Gulf Coast. So we took a short trip to see some Braves games over the weekend.
I got the Blueland email just before we left about the open practice. I was THRILLED to see my favorites HP's from TV in person. And then, they gave us free tickets for that night's exhibition game!
2 Braves games, 1 Thrasher's practice and 1 Thrasher's game, all in 2 short days!
You gave some tired, worn out folks from Katrina Wasteland some good relaxing fun. (And, thank you, Keri, for coming over to where this old lady sat to do your stretches right in front of me ;)
Can't wait to see y'all play again!
Tired but Happy in MS
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Posted by: jennifer on July 3, 2008 9:14AM EST
Thousands of employees and shareholders are feeling the effects of Mr. Winnick’s responsibility. Now the only responsible thing to do is to put Gary Winnick behind bars.
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