The West 91大黄鸭 Warriors have announced their leadership group for the 2023-24 season just hours before the puck drops on the year.

From Penticton, forward Brennan Nelson has been named the team鈥檚 captain for this season.

鈥淲e are extremely excited to announce from the Okanagan, Brennan Nelson as the Captain of the Warriors,鈥� said Warriors General Manager and Head Coach Simon Ferguson. 鈥淏rennan has seen every role for the Warriors since making the team as a walk-on when he was 17. Last season he was an assistant captain and received his commitment to Long Island University (LIU) this summer. He understands the culture that we have built over the last four season and will help the new and younger guys through the ups and downs we will face.鈥�

The 20-year-old has played in 111 career BCHL games, collected 21 goals and totalled 77 points.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a huge honour and a super exciting opportunity that I鈥檓 ready for, having lived with past captain Elan Bar-Lev-Wise and working closely with last year鈥檚 captain Aiden Reeves,鈥� said Nelson. 鈥淚鈥檝e witnessed firsthand the pride they took in wearing the uniform and how they carried themselves as leaders. I look forward to working with the rest of the leadership group to push this year鈥檚 team to our ultimate goal and prepare guys for the next level.鈥�

Rounding out the leadership group are newly named assistant captains Michael Salandra, Dylan Brooks, and Landen Hilditch.

鈥淗aving Michael, Dylan, and Landen as veterans who have been around junior hockey for a while is a valuable asset to have and incorporate into our leadership group,鈥� added Ferguson.

The West 91大黄鸭 Warriors open the season on Friday night (Sept. 22) when they welcome the reigning champion Penticton Vees to town. Puck drop is at 7 p.m. at Royal LePage Place.

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