Dallas Stars Go With Veterans For Alternate Captains
By Josh Clark
The Dallas Stars announced their two alternate captains for the 2016-17 season today. Their two choices perfectly reflect the Stars’ love for veteran leadership and perfectly round out a fearsome trio of leaders that stands out among any other.
On September 19, 2013, the Dallas Stars made headlines when they named 24-year-old Jamie Benn the newest captain of the organization.
After being a fifth-round pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, Benn quickly rose through the ranks and started his first game for Dallas on opening night in 2009. It was a bit of a risk at first, especially for new general manager Jim Nill.
But over the past three seasons, the 27-year-old has proven that Nill made the best choice. Since putting on the C for the first time, Benn has transformed himself into the ultimate hockey player. Whether it’s scoring, defending, power play, penalty kill, physicality (just about any role short of goalie), Benn is ready to take on the position.
That’s something special that very few captains possess. Not to mention his dedication and love for his teammates and his determination to always stand up for them. Benn’s leadership qualities have greatly increased, and he has passed those along to the other members of his team, whether young or old.
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The only problem is that sometimes a captain cannot bear the entire load and needs assistance. That’s where the alternate captains come into play. Benn has definitely seen a good number of those since becoming the alpha dog for Dallas.
Since the beginning of the 2013-14 season, the Stars have recycled through six different alternate captains. It’s not a good problem to have, yet Dallas cannot seem to find consistency. But after today, it looks like they may have finally found some assurance.
Earlier today, the Dallas Stars announced that for the 2016-17 season, forwards Patrick Sharp and Jason Spezza will wear the A’s. They will replace D Alex Goligoski and F Vernon Fiddler, who both departed to new teams during the most recent offseason.
If you have paid attention to hockey even slightly over the past few years, chances are you have heard of both Sharp and Spezza.
Sharp is a three-time Stanley Cup champion (all with the Chicago Blackhawks) and played his first season in Dallas last year after being traded by Chicago in the 2015 offseason. The 34-year-old put up stellar numbers, scoring 20 goals and tallying 55 total points in 76 regular season games. He wore the A for a his last few years in Chicago, and he proved why through his play last year.
The 33-year-old Spezza also has a resume filled with experience and leadership. The veteran will enter his third season with the Dallas Stars this coming year after spending the first 11 years of his career with the Ottawa Senators. During those 11 years, he served as alternate captain, captain, and was the key catalyst to their offensive success.
In two seasons with Dallas, he has 50 goals and 125 total points in 157 games. He spends the majority of his time playing second line center, but makes the most out of each rush. He’s strong in the face-off dot, can move the puck extremely well, and has a sinister shot. Not to mention that he has years of experience following him.
By naming Sharp and Spezza the alternates, the Dallas Stars unraveled something very unique. It’s difficult to think of a leadership trio in the NHL more dominant and skilled than this one. These three could stack up against any other trio.
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That being said, the Stars just solidified their leadership core for the coming year with two solid veteran leaders. Why not go all out? After all, there’s only 50 or so hours separating them from a new chance at eternal fame.