The Waywayseecappo Wolverines have announced their leadership group for the 2018-19 MJHL season.
Returning for his third season in Waywayseecappo, 20-year-old Jake Bestul will wear the “C” after playing last season as one of the teams’ assistant captains. In 135 career games with the Wolverines, Bestul has scored 21 goals and 25 points. Never without a smile on his face, the 5-foot-7 forward brings his strong work ethic to the rink every day, while holding his teammates accountable.
Brandon Lawson and Nick Doyle will wear a permanent “A”, while Morgan Poirier will wear a home “A” and Riley Vautour an “A” on the road. Lawson, Poirier, and Vautour are all in their second season’s in Waywayseecappo, while Doyle is in his first after being acquired from the Portage Terriers over the summer.
According to Wolverines Head Coach and General Manager, Taylor Harnett, Bestul exudes the leadership qualities he was looking for which made it an easy choice.
“Whenever you’re picking a captain, you have to look at certain factors,” Harnett explained. “You have to look at character, a player that others listen to, and leads the charge to elevate their game when called upon. Jake not only has the skill but great character too.”
“It’s important you have that guy in the locker-room who can command that type of respect. They’re almost like another coach without being a coach. Jake can do that. He also knows how to push the player’s buttons constructively and I think that’s important.”
One key factor that went into the decision of choosing Bestul, was his experience as a Wolverine both on and off the ice in the community.
“Jake is proud to be a Wolverine,” Harnett said with enthusiasm. “He’s had the chance of whether he wanted to be here in both off-seasons, and he’s wanted to stay here. He’s been here through some tough times and always saw the bigger picture and I think he wants to be a part of the building process. Jake has mentioned to me a few times that he loves the community, he obviously has a great set up and has a great billet. He would love the chance to come back here one day and possibly coach if the opportunity presented itself. The simple fact he loves the Wolverines and community was a big factor in him becoming captain.”
Harnett went on to speak about what Lawson, Poirier, Vautour, and Doyle bring to the table as leaders.
“It’s important you have pride in the community, with the jersey you’re wearing and take pride in yourself. Each one of these young men has those qualities. They’ll do anything for their teammates and they’ll do anything to get two points. Other players must learn from that because the following season, you have to select new captains and they learn from what they see. It’s important they lead by example. Of course, with Nick Doyle being eligible to play here next season, it’s an opportunity for him to step into a bigger leadership role next season,” Harnett concluded.