If players don’t think that their teammates or people around them aren’t taking note of their actions on and off the ice, that simply isn’t the case according to McFadden. He isn’t the only one to notice the added attention, and the spotlight on those in leadership positions is always greater. It can have an impact on those around you.
“People definitely take notice of the way you act and the way you treat others around your town and other members of your family and team,” said Peterborough Petes assistant captain Matt Spencer (Oakville Rangers). “I’d say the biggest thing is make sure that you’re always giving your one hundred percent work ethic to everybody around you because it’s not only going to make you a better person but it will make everyone else better too.”
Every leader has someone they look to emulate in their role. For many hockey players, their former teammates usually end up having the largest influence on how they operate in the locker room.
With so many personalities on a team, it’s the captain’s job to bring everyone in and work together. It can be difficult when there are so many unique leadership styles but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Some players respond better to different ways of communication.
“I think that’s very important within a team, to have those different types of leaders. You don’t want a bunch of different guys coming at you the same way, you want to have a bit of variety,” said Spencer. “I think that’s the key component to a winning team.”
Even within the team, the leadership core carries an extra amount of responsibility. Typically, teams have one captain and either two or three assistant captains. Together, they are in charge of being the line of communication between the coaching staff and the rest of the players.
“We talk a lot and get together with the coaches a little bit,” said Johnny Corneil (Central Ontario Wolves), assistant captain of the Niagara IceDogs. “We kind of let them know what’s going on as far as in the team ourselves, with the younger guys and how everybody’s clicking, how things are going.”