Penguins first-round pick Owen Pickering is the newest captain of the WHL's Swift Current Broncos.
Pickering, an 18-year-old defenseman, is in his third season in Swift Current.
“This is a proud day for our organization,” Broncos general manager Chad Leslie said in a statement on Friday. “These men have done an excellent job providing leadership to our young group over the past two seasons. All of these players provide different types of leadership, in their own way, that compliment what the others bring to the table. They will lead by committee, and we feel that Owen is the guy that can bring the group together in good times and bad. He is very deserving of the ‘C’, he embodies our ‘We Not Me’ mentality, and is someone that cares about the organization and his teammates.”
“Everyone in our room is a leader, but it’s an honor to be chosen to have the captaincy,” Pickering said. “Looking at the history of captains before me, it makes it pretty special. It’s a huge privilege and I’m excited for what’s ahead.”
Pickering attended the Penguins' development camp, rookie camp, and training camp after being drafted in July but was limited in the latter two due to a wrist injury sustained in the WHL preseason prior to attending.
Pickering, a left-handed shot, has returned to Swift Current's lineup and has played two games, skating on the right side of the Broncos' first defense pairing. He's recorded three assists and a combined minus-1 rating in those two games.
