The Chilliwack Progress from Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada • Page 46

46 THE CHILLIWACK PROGRESS, Friday, September 21 2007 The Progress Eric WELSH 604.702.5572 sportstheprogress.com Sports Holden earned Brains captain Xp Defenceman Nick Holden will wear the captain's 'C for the 2007-08 Chilliwack Bruins. The 19-year-old Alberta native recently returned from the Edmonton Oilers rookie camp, which was held in Yellowknife. Holden and the Bruins open their season on the road in Kamloops tonight before returning to Prospera Centre for games tomorrow (7 p.m. versus Portland) and Sunday (5 p.m. versus Tri-City) colleen flanaganthe progress Eric J.

Welsh, The Progress Defencemen Nick Holden will follow in the footsteps of Josh Aspenlind, inheriting the role of captain for the 2007-08 Chilliwack Bruins. The 19-year-old blueliner was given the 'C earlier this week, confirming his status as the leader of the Bruins locker room. "To have my coaches and the general manager think I can lead the team and help them win, that's a huge honour," Holden said. The Alberta native recently returned from Edmonton Oilers rookie camp in Yellowknife. He wore an 'A' last year and had some idea he was going to be named captain.

"I'm pumped," he said with a grin. "I'm also a bit nervous. I don't think I need to change much. I just need to show up to the rink every day ready to work and lead the younger guys." Holden was already acting like a captain at Wednesday's practice, running a teammate through some last minute drills and making sure he was the last player off the ice. He believes setting a good example is a key part of the job description.

"Josh Aspenlind wasn't a really vocal guy," he recalled. "When it was time to be serious he was serious. But he played every night with his heart on his sleeve. He was the first guy in line in practice and always did the drill right. That was a good for me to watch." Holden was a vocal guy from the get-go last year, even as a Western Hockey League rookie.

He kept quiet for the first week or two and then got more and more assertive from then on. That, he said, may be the one difference between him and Aspenlind he talks prospera centre an- league for four or five years and his experience helps tons," Holden said. "He went to a WHL finals series with Moose Jaw, so he knows what it takes on and off the ice." Moller has a captain's resume, having worn a letter for several Swedish national teams. Bhungal may seem like a surprise choice to some, but Holden said the Bruins see his leadership qualities every day. "It didn't catch me off guard at all," he said.

"He was vocal last year and he plays like Josh, going hard every shift. He broke his hand three times blocking shots last year. Everyone respects him and the other guys who got the 'A's. Catch the Bruins in their home opener tomorrow night versus Portland (7 p.m.) or Sunday at home versus the Tri-City Americans (5 p.m.) more. "I'm more vocal in the dressing room," Holden said.

"Sometimes you need to get in a guy's face now and then. I remember a game in Vancouver last year where we were taking so many stupid penalties. I came into the locker room and yelled. There are times when you have to do that and I think the guys respected that." Holden has a good sense about which players respond to in-your-face leadership. "You get to know pretty quick by how they react when the coach gets mad at them," Holden noted.

"Some guys can take it. Some guys will shut right down. It's a fine line." Holden will be joined by alternate captains Oscar Moller, Partik Bhungal and defence-man Dylan Chapman. "Chappy has been in the hockey and skating prograc I ICt OtTl start sept. 29th crfmrinii 7k emy programs CANLAN SPORTS ii4jU4ll' icyisiei luuay: I 45323 Hodgins Ave.

Chilliwack vvvvvv.iurcopwi io.iaji i i FOR MORE INFO: 604-702-0062 6.