Canadian National Gardens (Thunder Bay, ON, Canada)- After the trade of Joe Thornton to North Dakota near the midway point of last season, the Thunder Bay Timberwolves played without a player with the captain's 'C' on their sweater. Instead, they opted to finish the season with three alternates.
-One of those alternates was defenseman, Keith Ballard. On Monday, Ballard was officially named the second captain in team history.
-The twenty-five year old Baudette, Minnesota native has many qualities that inspired the Timberwolves coaches and management to come to this decision.
-"I pretty much knew when we traded Joe, that Keith would eventually assume the captain's position," said GM Blake Wendt. "He's been a leader on and off the ice from the day we acquired him. He's a young guy that isn't afraid to speak him mind. He calls guys out that need a kick in the pants. Then he'll go out there and back up the same guy out on the ice. He's a team first kind of guy, and I'm thrilled that he will be our captain for years to come."
-"Keith is a natural leader and plays a solid game to lead by," said head coach Craig Hartsburg. "He's a smart hockey player for one. Is responsible in his own end. Knows when to skate or pass with the puck. He's not a huge defenseman out there. But when he hits you, you'll think you just got smashed by a six-foot-four, two hundred thirty pounder. He's very vocal on the ice and in the locker room. He's holds himself and all of his teammates accountable."
-Ballard has been rumoured to be the teams new captain all summer. He has been the one in charge of optional workouts and team outings the past few months.
-He also does have some experience as a captain. While at the University of Minnesota, Ballard was an alternate for two of this three seasons there. And was also the captain when the full-serving captain, Grant Potulny was injured.
-"I accept this position with great honour," said Ballard. "I fully understand what is expected of myself as a captain. As a team, we have alot of work to do to gain respect throughout the CCHL. But we're headed in the right direction and will definitely surprise the teams that take us for granted. My job will be to play a solid game and lead by example. While also holding everyone accountable on and off the ice. We will have no excuses. We will not lose games because we quit. That will not happen. I can guarantee that."
-The two alternate captains will be chosen by the players after Training Camp and before the regular season begins.
-Training Camp opens Monday, September 22nd in Thunder Bay.
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