Why do some hockey fans think that the C or A means "best player" or "best leader"?

- i know that those are many times, coincidentally also characterics of the captain and alternates, but nothing magical happens when the C or A is sewn on the sweater. it simply allows the player to discuss calls/rules w/ the refs.





why do hockey fans continue to equate it to highest scorer or best leader? sure, it's nice if he has those too, but shouldn't your captains be players w/ experience? who know the game and its rules? and have seen those rules enforced and interpreted more than the team's average player.





tell me what you think and why, please.

Why do some hockey fans think that the C or A means "best player" or "best leader"?
There is more to being a Captain then "discussing calls with the refs" though. It is being a leader in the room as well and handling different personalties and keeping the room in tow.


As far as it being equated to the best player. Well, there are a couple of ways to lead, you can be a vocal leader and you can lead BY EXAMPLE. You see, when other players see your best player or captain not dogging it on plays, practicing as hard as they play, and buying into the coach's system, it tends to make them follow suit. How does it look when your superstar is sweating his hole off in practice and someone else, maybe a border line player, is slacking it? It tends to make those guys think, if this guy is doing it, I should too.


Also, when dealing with different personalties, you are a mediator. Ken Hitchcock has a "core group" of guys in the locker room, it is there job to handle any problems. Yes, veterans may be better suited for this but I don't buy into the "better understanding of the rules" because they all know the rules.


Also, I feel that the leading by example outweighs the vocal leadership. Captain of the ship is a big deal and is much more than chatting with the refs.
Reply:the captain isnt always the best player, but alot of times, it is





the captain isnt only who talks to the refs though, he's who all of the players, especially the younger players, look up to and get help from. The best player thoough, is usually a C or an A, because who better for your young player to look up to and learn the game from then a guy like shanahan or yzerman or sakic.
Reply:The C is generally awarded to the best player on the team who shows good leadership skills. The player may be a great goal scorer, but if he does nothing to motivate or lead his team, he's not a true captain. The Captain will work hard, lead well and represent his team well....
Reply:I agree with you that it should be someone who knows the game well and knows how to talk to the refs to get the call to go your team's way. Not as sure about the experience, if you know the game then I don't think that length of time playing in the NHL should matter as much. Now if they are used to the European League and don't really know the NHL rules then they wouldn't be a good Captain or Alternate because they wouldn't be able to talk to the refs to get the ruling for your team. For the most part I agree with you. You need a player who can keep a level-head and know how to make the argument with the Ref to get it to go your way. Come on a good C or A can get a call to go your way when it is rather questionable.
Reply:The best player shouldnt necessarily be the Captain, I'm not saying he cant be, just saying that he doesnt have to be...On all the teams I've been on, the captain is the guy who motivates the team in the locker room, kind of like a big brother figure.





I think Crosby being named Captain is stupid...imagine him trying to motivate Roberts? that wouldn't go over well...





I think that each team needs to look at the players around them and nominate the player they think will do the best job of motivating the team when they are down, and stats should have nothing to do with it.
Reply:usualy the worst person on the team is not choosen to be a captian or an alternet.. thats why they usualy say that they are the best player and also they have to be one of the best leaders on the team to tell the team wat to do... they are like the closest thing to a coach without actualy being one... thats why
Reply:I don't necessarily equate the C or A with the best players. I do, however, consider the Captain to probably be one of, it not the best, leaders on the team because many of the teams have the players vote for the captain, or have the coaches choose the person who wears the C. So why would they choose somebody who just knows the rules? Wouldn't they want their captain to be somebody who can lead by example, or light a fire under their teammates rears? And especially if your teammates are the ones that vote you to be the captain. Doesn't that say something about you as a player? Not just, oh, the teammates think I know the rules of the game, but my teammates believe that I'm a leader and somebody that they respect. Maybe not the best or most skilled player, but a leader, definitely.
Reply:damifino
Reply:I agree with you they should give it to the most experienced player not the best scorer because for example Michelle Therrien should not make Crosby captain, he is way over rated and isn't a good captain.
Reply:the C does mean the best leader...not neccesarily the best player though
Reply:maybe people think that because only certain people get letters stamped on there jersey
Reply:I second Bob's answer. Some people might not like it, but oh well. I don't think anyone can really counter his points.





You've answered and shared your opinion on Sid being captain before and I don't think anyone who already sees valid points are going to change their minds.





It is what it is and any amount of discrediting Crosby's claim to the position anyone tries to do is irrelevant. The decision won't be reversed. Ray Shero, Michel Therrien and his coaching staff, and Crosby's teammates want him to be Captain, and they are all credible people who would know who's the best person for the job.
Reply:I dont...To me the C or A are leaders,,doesnt mean the best player at all...Some teams though like to make their best player captain or assistant....like Yashin...my gosh.