Anthony Lucarelli has been named Powell River Kings' team captain for the 2023/2024 BC Hockey League (BCHL) season.
"We are thrilled to announce Anthony as our captain," said Kings' head coach Brock Sawyer. "He has been a key contributor over the last two seasons for us and we feel he has developed into one of the best two-way centremen in the league."
The 20-year-old from Chatham, Ontario, is entering his third season with the Kings. He led his team with 21 goals during the 2022/2023 season and was named the club's most valuable player (MVP).
"I am very honoured and excited to be named captain," said Lucarelli. "It's a great responsibility to have, and I'm looking forward to a leadership role that I know I can fulfill."
In 101 total games with the Kings, Lucarelli has scored 35 goals and added 36 assists while becoming the one of most reliable and consistent players over the past two seasons.
Lucarelli will be the first forward to wear the "C" since Ben Berard during the 2018/2019 season. The decision to give Lucarelli the captaincy wasn't a difficult choice, according to Sawyer.
"At the conclusion of last season, our staff unanimously agreed he was the right choice," added the coach. "The way he competes, puts time in the gym, works on his game, is infectious to his teammates and makes those around him better.
"He's a player that all of his teammates like and respect and is a great contributor to our involvement in the community. [General manager] Chad [van Diemen, [assistant coach] Kyle [Bodie] and myself all agreed that Anthony embodies what our staff sees as a leader."
After an early first-round exit in last season's playoffs, Lucarelli says he is looking forward to getting going and leading the team to success.
"I'm very excited to start the season and see both returning and new players," stated Lucarelli. "I feel we have a great group coming in and can't wait to get started."
Kings will begin training camp on September 1 with the preseason starting September 9 in Coquitlam. The team will open the regular season in Merritt on September 22, before returning to Powell River for the home opening weekend on September 29 and 30 against the Victoria Grizzlies and Penticton Vees. Tickets are available at tickets.powellriverkings.com.
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