Two talented veteran forwards will lead the Virden Oil Capitals this coming season.
The Manitoba Junior Hockey League team has named 20-year-olds Jack Einarson and Brett Paddock as co-captains. Einarson, who is from Gimli, is in his fourth season with the squad, while Brandon’s Paddock is in his third. Both served as alternate captains last season.
“I was very excited when Tyson (Ramsey, Oil Caps head coach) named Jack and I captains,” Paddock said. “It’s something that I have strived to become since I first came to Virden. Watching past captains lead the team has taught me a lot about the role, and I think Jack and I will be able to do a very good job of it.”
Einarson believes the pair will make a strong team.
“I feel like Brett and I will work well together. We both lead in different ways. I’m just going to try and lead by example with everything I do and always have a positive attitude and good work ethic.”
Of the duo, Ramsey stated on the team’s website that “I just think they bring so much to our team on and off the ice. They both have natural leadership abilities and are also great players and people.”
This is the second time the team has had co-captains since the franchise moved to Virden from Winnipeg in 2012. Morgan Magwood and Dylan Thiessen served in the roles in 2017-2018. Kolten Kanaski led the team last season. Other former Oil Caps captains include Chase Wichelmann, Cody Nelson, Ben Williams, Brett Sharples, Mack Hardy, and Ben Dalke.
Einarson and Paddock will be relied upon for points production as well as leadership. In 60 games last season, Einarson scored 20 goals and recorded 52 points.
In regard to Einarson being a co-captain, Ramsey said, “In Jack, we get a guy who is entering his fourth season with our hockey club and really emerged as one of the best players in the league last season. He plays the game at a very high level and really sets a good example for our younger guys. His mature attitude will really help guide our group,”
Last winter Paddock upped his points total to 44 in 50 games after posting 26 as a rookie. Paddock scored 11 goals in 2019-2020.
“Brett is entering his third season as an Oil Cap and has been a captain for me before at the midget level,” Ramsey said. “He really exemplifies all the characteristics of a great leader. He works hard on and off the ice and understands the importance of ‘team’.”
