CAPTAIN HORCOFF

Shawn Horcoff was named the 13^th captain of the Edmonton Oilers on October 6 2010. From what I’ve taken outta the different responses from the fan base is kind of torn on the decision made by the Oilers to name the 10 year veteran the captain of this team. I wanted to take a look at both sides of the coin the good and the bad of this decision.

First starting off with why this decision might have been taken negatively by some of the fan base. Shawn Horcoff had the worst year of his 10 year career last season ending with only 37 points and a -29 which is only second to then teammate Patrick Sullivan. With the new vision set for the Edmonton Oilers to reward results and no more having player entitlement when it is not earned. After the season that he had last year it would seem that he was rewarded for the lowest point in his career to this point.

As many people were against the decision there were just as many people who agreed with the naming of the new captain. Shawn Horcoff has always been known as one of the hardest working players on the team and a good work ethic should set a good example for all the highly touted rookies coming into the dressing room. Given his new position on the team could work as a positive motivator for Horcoff and maybe help rejuvenate his career and get him back to the solid two way play that he built his career around. Comments from other players on the team all had Horcoff pegged for the captaincy and no one was surprise when the announcement was made. First overall pick Taylor Hall also was happy with the decision as Horcoff has taken hall and Eberle under his wing in teaching them what it takes to be a pro.

My vote was also for Horcoff to be made captain as he is an established vet who seems to be vocal in the dressing room and genuinely liked by all of his teammates. This should lead the way for a younger player to emerge as a leader as Shawn’s career winds down in the next 4-5 years.

Also Ales Hemsky and Ryan Whitney were named the alternate captains for the season.