North Vancouver, B.C. – There will be a new leader of the pack this season, as 2003-born forward JJ Pickell has been selected to wear the historic ‘C’ in North Vancouver.
“I am honoured to be named team captain of the Wolf Pack. It means a lot to me that the coaching staff trusts me to lead this team. I am looking forward to getting the season started with such a good group of guys,” Pickell said.
The native of Calgary, Alberta, put up 55 points (28-27) in 43 games in his first regular-season campaign and an additional five points (2-3) in six post-season games against the White Rock Whalers. He followed up his first season by producing 74 points (42-32) in 45 regular-season contests to go along with three points (1-2) from the Survivor Series against the Grandview Steelers. So far, Pickell has played a total of 97 games and has racked up 137 points and 116 penalty minutes.
Pickell’s 74 points (42-32) from this past regular season earned him a spot in the 60-point club, a club that only seven other players from franchise history have made it into. His 42 goals from the regular season were good enough to tie Dominic Davis (2019-2020) for the most in franchise history.
Being the captain of a team speaks to one’s character and respect that they have for others. There have been 14 different players who have served as the team captain since the club’s inception in 2008. Pickell will be the club’s fifteenth captain.
“JJ has proven himself to be a top player in this league. We are excited about the leadership he will provide on and off the ice as a 20-year-old,” said General Manager and Associate Coach Matt Samson.
This will mark Pickell’s third and final year in the Pacific Junior Hockey League, and while it may be his first year as the team’s captain, Pickell was an alternate with the club his first two seasons.
The newly-selected Captain and his pack will start their regular season in their den on Saturday, September 9, against the Richmond Sockeyes.
