The St. Louis Jr. Blues proud members of the NA3HL, finalized their 2017-18 leadership group in a team meeting on Friday, October 13. Three alternate captains plus one captain were named, all providing valuable and differing assets to the team.
Second-year forward Jack Hatton was tapped as the club captain for 2017-18. The native of Naperville, Ill. joined the Jr. Blues last season and made an instant impact, scoring 50 goals and being one of the team’s nine-member contingent at the NA3HL Top Prospects Tournament. Hatton began this season with the NAHL’s Shreveport Mudbugs, and returned to St. Louis earlier this month where he has scored one goal and two assists.
“Jack’s a kind of guy who does his best leadership by example,” said Jr. Blues head coach Chris Flaugher. “He works incredibly hard in training, always gives extra effort whether it’s during games or in the community, and plays hockey as it should be played, clean and with skill. We’re proud to have him wear the “C” this season and continue our great tradition.”
Joining Jack with letters on their sweaters are forwards Joe Papa (St. Charles, Ill.) and Dylan Carroll (St. Charles, Mo.) and defenseman Cameron McAtee (Wentzville, Mo.). All are veteran players: Papa is a second-year winger, Carroll is playing his second full season and third year overall, while McAtee is in his fifth season with the organization.
Describing the alternate captains, Flaugher was quick to point out that each of them brings their own outlook to the table. “Papa’s a real emotional leader and a rally-point in the dressing room, Dylan shows the value of perseverance and determination, and Mac has been here with us throughout all the ups and downs we’ve had in the past few years. They all have their own styles but when brought together they make a good group of people even better.”
The Jr. Blues continue their season this weekend at Evansville, where they face the Jr. Thunderbolts. Game times are Saturday the 14th at 7 pm, and Sunday afternoon at 2:30.
