EDMONTON – Andrew Ference won’t be wearing the captain “C” this year. In fact, the team won’t have a captain at all.
The Edmonton Oilers have named four alternate captains for this season: Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Andrew Ference.
With Eberle out with an injury, Matt Hendricks will also wear an “A” for the Oilers.
Ference served as team captain for the last two seasons.
Coach Todd McLellan said Ference’s leadership expertise will be vital in helping the others grow as captains.
“My experience with Andy has been exceptional,” he said. “I can see why he has been an integral part of a championship team.
“He’s been a tremendous leader here.
“He’s been a great liason. I use him in almost every situation. I don’t see that changing at all as we move forward,” said McLellan. “A tonne of respect for him.”
Ference, who appeared alongside his coach and GM Peter Chiarelli, spoke about the changes.
“I never tried to kid myself that I was one of the best players,” he said with a smile. “Mentoring people on off-the-ice issues, working hard, putting the lifestyle choices in to extend your career and make yourself as good as you can for your team, those issues I feel I can really help with.
“But, without a doubt, we have some tremendous talent and there’s some guys who are game changers and some guys who are really developing as people as well that are going to be fabulous leaders.”
The Oilers are following the lead of the Montreal Canadiens, who had four alternates last year before Max Pacioretty got the “C” this season.
Edmonton opens the regular season Thursday against St. Louis.
WATCH: The Edmonton Oilers announced Wednesday Andrew Ference is no longer captain of the team. The team will not have a replacement this season, rather four alternate captains. Quinn Phillips provided details on the decision during Wednesday’s Noon News.
With files from The Canadian Press
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