Senior Orion Olsen, as reported by UA Wildcat Hockey, has been named captain for the 2017-18 season. This is his third year with a letter on his sweater; after serving his sophomore and junior year as an alternate, he will lead the Wildcats as captain. The announcement came from head coach Chad Berman after a training session, which also came as a bit of a shock.
“I was more focused on…the season getting going…,” Olsen said, “I didn’t put too much thought into it beforehand so it was a pleasant surprise.”
Olsen will be succeeding Dylan Carter, one of six seniors who graduated and/or used up their four years of eligibility after last season. After losing a good chunk of the leadership group when the seniors left, Olsen was an easy choice for captain due to the amount of experience he already has under his belt, something he doesn’t take lightly.
“It’s definitely a big responsibility, you’re basically representing the team as a whole,” Olsen said.
While representing the team, he is also going to have to lead what is going to be a very young team compared to last year’s roster. Olsen believes he leads by example and is the kind of guy who believes in letting his work ethic, inclusiveness and leadership qualities take over. His belief could wind up being just what the young team needs.
“Getting those guys comfortable and… a part of the boys is necessary to get going right away,” Olsen said.
The stakes will be high for Olsen and the Wildcats as they head into the season after narrowly missing the National Tournament last year. An expectation held by Olsen himself is that they make it to the tournament and according to him do some damage. As a senior who has been playing hockey his whole life, he wants to make it all the way, and expects nothing less in his estimation.
The Wildcats will kick off their season at home at the Tucson Convention Center against Grand Canyon University on September 29th; that will be followed up the next night with what will likely be a intense affair against rival ASU.
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