Buckley set to captain Monarchs

by Kim Mueller || AHL On The Beat Archive

Defenseman Brendan Buckley has been a professional hockey player for seven years now, six of which have been in the American Hockey League. On Oct. 7, Manchester head coach Mark Morris named Buckley the captain of the 2006-07 Monarchs squad.

“Brendan exemplifies what a captain stands for and plays with passion every night,” Morris said. “He stands his ground, he has everyone’s interest at heart and he is deserving of this leadership role. His track record speaks for itself.”

The crest of the “C” on his left shoulder is familiar territory for Buckley, but the city of Manchester is unknown. He has served as the leader of a team both as an amateur at Boston College and as a professional with the Peoria Rivermen.

“It is a real honor to be named the captain of any team,” said Buckley. “We have a great group of guys here in Manchester and there will be many leaders among us.”

On the ice, the captain serves as the player who talks to the referee about rules and calls, leads his teammates by example and works hard. Off the ice, the captain is the voice of the locker room, mentors the younger players and shows them the ropes.

The role of being captain changes with each team. The management is different, the coaches are different and the teammates are different. It’s a learning experience each day of the season.

“We have several leaders in our locker room including our alternate captains Noah Clarke, Jeff Giuliano, Tim Jackman and Doug Nolan,” explained Buckley. “I can bounce ideas off of them and we can lead the young guys together.”

Buckley’s role also comes into play off the ice and in the community.  He sets the precedent and hopes the guys will follow.

In his first season in Manchester and with the Monarchs, Buckley hits the ice ready to guide this team to victory.