The Kingston Frontenacs named their new captain over the weekend, and it's a name that's very familiar to people in Midwestern Ontario.
Listowel native Ted Nichol, older brother of Listowel Cyclones co-captain Blake Nichol, was given the honour of wearing the "C" for Kingston. Frontenacs Live host Allan Etmanski says Nichol was an ideal choice for the captaincy.
"When you look at what you want from a player at the OHL level, Ted is the epitome of that, and although he isn't the biggest player on the ice, certainly in the characteristics in the dressing room that he brings, and the way he plays on the ice, he never takes a shift off. That's what you want the younger guys to take away, and that's what he brings."
Nichol was awarded the Eastern Conference's Hardest Working Player award as voted by OHL coaches last season. Etmanski says Nichol has all the characteristics that make up a great leader.
"I know I talk a lot about players that other teams hate to play against but love to have, and for Ted Nichol that's the type of guy that he is. Teams hate to play against him because there's never a shift off, going into corners, digging out pucks, he'll stand in front of the net and take abuse. He's willing to pay the price."
Nichol is entering his overage year with the Frontenacs after putting up a career high 38 points last season, including another 6 points in 11 playoff game.