Hounds name '12-13 team captains

The Hartland Hounds have announced that forward Jake Henrikson will serve as team captain this season, while fellow forwards Max Biggings and Jared Vincek will be the team’s alternate captains.

“Jake, Max and Jared all have different leadership styles and have emerged as leaders for our team,” said Hounds’ coach Randy Montrose. “These guys stepped up during our summer skates and during the preseason and were a valuable part of our two wins last weekend in Holland.

“I also want to say that while these guys are the players with letters on their jerseys, I expect the rest of our roster to develop leadership roles over the course of the season and to learn from Jake, Max and Jared.”

Henrikson, a 19-year-old Commerce native, leads the MWJHL in scoring after a five-goal, five-assist performance last weekend. He played for the Leamington Flyers of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League last season after graduating from Howell High School, where he played under Montrose, in 2011.

“It’s obviously a good feeling, but a lot of responsibility,” said Henrikson of being named captain. “I just wear the ‘C,’ but everyone on the team is a leader. I think my leadership style is leading by example and going out and getting the team fired up and ready for each game.”

Another Hounds’ player with junior hockey experience, Biggings skated last year in the North American 3 Hockey League with the Metro Jets. A 20-year-old from Hartland, Biggings was moved to the wing this season after the last few on defense.

“I am very thankful to my team and coaches for this opportunity,” Biggings said. “Nothing has changed and I will keep going 100 percent and lead by example on and off the ice.”

Vincek, a 2012 South Lyon High School graduate, is the youngest of the captains at 18, but has prior leadership experience as he donned the ‘C’ last year for the Lions.

“I feel humbled and honored at the same time because not many of the guys have truly gotten to know me yet,” said Vincek. “I lead by example on the ice and off the ice whether that's working hard or keeping my composure both ways.”

This weekend, the Hounds make the 1,056-mile round trip to Rhinelander, Wis., to take on the Street Cats Saturday night and Sunday afternoon. Hartland then opens its home schedule Sept. 28-29 at the Hartland Sports Center against the Michigan Ice Dogs and Dayton Aeros.