NHSL clubs name Team Captains

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All three NHSL clubs have named their leadership groups ahead of Friday's season opening clash between the Port Adelaide Brewers and Noarlunga Stars.

The game is the first professional ice hockey game in Australia. Players are being paid, training three times as a group per week, and adapting NHL-style rules including 20 minute stop time periods.

That makes leadership all the more important. 

Here's who the captains are, and why they were selected.

Noarlunga Stars

The Stars went with Czech centreman Jan Koubek as their leader. The 30-year-old has extensive hockey experience both in Czech Republic, in the Australian Ice Hockey League, and in local competitions around the country.

Captain: Jan Koubek

Assistants: Jake Riley and Jake Hazel

Here's what head coach Sami Mantere had to say.

"We made it clear to the marquee players from the start that this club is going to be built around them, both on and off the ice. They have been leading from the front. Honestly, both those guys (Jake and Jan) deserve to be a captain but we feel the experience Jan brings to this team is going to be absolutely vital."

"But we look at the leadership group as having two co-captains. Riley has been leading the off-ice training and really stepped up to be a leader by example."

"Jake Hazel, although quiet, is another guy who just keeps doing the right things. While he may not have the traditional role as a leader who talks a lot, he is a great example for anyone to follow in all aspects of the game." 

Port Adelaide Brewers

The Brewers named three Assistant Captains to share the leadership duties. They are Steve Best, Zach Boyle and Nicola Pau.

Here's what head coach Mitch Villani had to say.

"First off, Nicola Pau has improved tremendously on ice since the Premier League season. His passing, shooting and hockey IQ is just getting better. But more than that he gives us what you need in a captain. Nicola loves quality. He loves communication. He loves hospitality. He loves bringing people together. That's what he brings and that is his major strength."

"Steve Best was our marquee player and captain of the Red Wings. I was a captain of his team and that was a great experience. He stepped up and played like a captain, led by example, and he's been doing that with the Brewers since day dot. He asks powerful questions and empowers the young guys."

"I wanted some leadership within the defensive side of the team so Zach was a great fit. He is a very good communicator to some of the guys coming up from A-Grade on the blue-line and he's really helping out and giving him that support. During practice he even comes up to me and points out what we can do to improve and step up. That's important for me as a coach to give that delegation to a player like that."

Adelaide Xtreme

The Xtreme named Joey MacDougall as their captain. MacDougall, originally from Canada, coaches the Adelaide Rush, plays for the Adrenaline and is one of the most versatile players in the game.

Graham Charbonneau will be a permanent assistant captain while Nathaniel Benson and Jared Siemens will alternate on home / away games.

Here's what head coach Eric Lien had to say 

"Joey is clearly the leader on and off the ice and someone who will excel with the added responsibility of being named captain. For the coaches it is reassuring to have a captain who can handle themselves in any situation; that demeanor rubs off on the entire team."

"Charbs is a vocal leader who has the respect of the entire team. Graham has been a calming presence in the room and takes pride in showing guys what it means to be a good teammate."

"Nathaniel Benson should be a future Adelaide Adrenaline captain and could wear a letter for Australia one day. Invaluable opportunity for a 20-year-old to develop as a leader by learning from Joey and Graham."

"Jared is the most complete player on the Xtreme. He's an excellent role model for how to conduct yourself on and off the ice."