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Alex Goligoski Named Alternate Captain

By Allison Scott |

This morning the Dallas Stars announced that defenseman Alex Goligoski would be the second alternate captain for the team this upcoming season, alongside veteran forward Vernon Fiddler. Together they’ll work to help out captain Jamie Benn in his leadership endeavors, although it seems as if no. 14 has got that covered, throughout the season.

Goligoski joins an elite group of players in the NHL with his new status, but what makes him qualified for the highly coveted position?

Longevity With the Team

As strange as it is to think about, Goligoski is one of the longest standing Dallas Stars currently on the roster. Acquired in a trade back in 2011 no. 33 has been in Dallas for five seasons and is the senior defenseman in that regard. While his duration with the team most likely wasn’t a substantial reason for his being chosen as alternate captain, it shows not only a mutual dedication between the organization and Goligoski himself, but a familiarity with most of the players currently on the roster.

Respect is something that isn’t easily earned and having dedicated so much to the organization over the last five years it’s something Goligoski has developed. Other players in the locker room know he’s a veteran and will look to him for advice and guidance, especially now that the Stars’ top six defenders are rather young and inexperienced for the most part.

Versatility

Goligoski is one of the more versatile defenders the Stars have at their disposal and playing alongside John Klingberg this season I would expect for that level of versatility to expand even more. The Minnesota native plays on the penalty kill, power play, and five-on-five against the best the opposition has to offer and he does it rather well.

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He’s also playing an immense amount of hockey for the team having averaged just under twenty-four minutes last season and upwards of that in seasons past. The many facets to Goligoski’s style of play and abilities make him not only a great player to have in the line-up, but a great alternate captain because he can serve as a go-to for leadership in the vast variety of situations he finds himself playing in.

History of Success

Another characteristic that makes no. 33 a solid choice to wear the “A” is his past accomplishments. As a member of 2009 Pittsburgh Penguins he won a Stanley Cup and he’s averaged half a point a game thus far in his NHL career. Both of those feats aren’t something an everyday, average defender can say and they surely make Goligoski a member of a rather special group of players.

Having won the Stanley Cup, and being one of only a few players in Dallas’ locker room who has, gives him a better idea than those who haven’t of what exactly it takes. He can serve as not only a leader during the regular season, but as a resource during the playoffs when the Stars find themselves in a rather unfortunate or unfavorable position. That knowledge is only acquired through experience and is something that is unique to players who have their named engraved on the most coveted trophy in hockey.

Looking Ahead

Although the letter on his jersey will make only a slight difference in Goligoski’s appearance to the league itself, he’ll find pride in knowing the Stars depend on him for his leadership ability. Ultimately, it will make him a better player than he already is purely because he is officially recognized as one of the leaders in the Dallas Stars locker room.

Why do you think the Stars chose Goligoski to be an alternate captain? Leave your thoughts in the comments and, as always, thanks for reading!

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