ST. CATHARINES - Justin Felker brings a wealth of assets to the table as the new captain of the St. Catharines Falcons.

The 20-year-old defenceman is well respected on and off the ice, has a ton of experience at both the junior B and Ontario Hockey League levels, and is a top-notch student.

“It’s how he presents himself as an individual,” Falcons general manager Frank Girhiny said. “Integrity is very high in him. He comes to the rink and comes to play every practice and every game and he’s very experienced.

“I think he’s going to be an ideal captain for our organization.”

Felker takes over from graduating captain Broderick Kelly.

“This is an awesome position to have with such a respected team,” said Felker, a third-year kinesiology student at Brock. “When he (Girhiny) offered me the position, I was completely honoured and excited.

“He knows I’ve always tried to be a leader in the room. I think the biggest thing is to keep the team positive and keep the team together when it gets tough.”

Felker, who spent two seasons with the Erie Otters before joining the Falcons in 2014/15, made an impression on new head coach Chris Johnstone last season when Johnstone joined the team as an assistant in November.

“He can police the dressing room and get the pulse of the room,” Johnstone said. “Now the coaching staff doesn’t always have to come in here. There’s an attitude and environment in the room I feel he can control.

“I saw it last year with his passion and his respect for the guys. He loves this hockey club and loves playing the game and loves his teammates. That’s what I’m excited for. I think he’ll bring all that to the dressing room.”

Felker is well aware how important veteran leadership can be.

“I think the biggest responsibility of being a captain is keeping the guys together when times get tough,” he said. “It’s a long year and there will be ups and downs. I’ll do my best to keep the team together and use my positivity to keep everyone’s eyes on the goal.”

He is also mindful how much a pat on the back or kick in the butt can be coming from a player, rather than a member of the coaching staff.

“It means a lot for sure to have one of your peers do that,” Felker said. “Obviously, it’s expected from your coaches, but when it comes from one of your peers, it’s definitely a big deal and I think guys respect that a lot.”

Johnstone agrees.

“The coach is the coach so the message is from the coach and then you are Charlie Brown’s teacher,” he said. “When it comes from your peer who is playing hard and has integrity, then they go ‘OK.’”

Felker, who is heading into his final season of junior hockey, has high hopes for the upcoming season.

“I’m very excited. We have a lot of new guys coming in, good players and good people. We have a lot of returning players who are solid as well. Scooter is the head coach and I’m real excited for that. He’s a veteran guy who knows what he is doing.

“It’s going to be a good year.”

The Falcons plan to name their assistants once training camp is underway. Camp opens Monday, Aug. 22. The Falcons will be participating in a pre-season tournament in Niagara Falls and then have a pair of exhibition games scheduled with Stratford before the opening Showcase Tournament in London.

BPotrecz@Postmedia.com

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