The Soo Greyhounds Hockey Club is pleased to announce their leadership group for the 2022-23 Ontario Hockey League season today.
New York Rangers prospect Bryce McConnell-Barker has been named Captain and will be joined by Assistant Captains Kalvyn Watson, Tyler Savard, Mark Duarte, and Ryan Thompson.
“I’m excited about, and for, this year’s leadership group led by Bryce McConnell-Barker. It is a special moment for the organization but also for each individual to be recognized for their character both on and off the ice” started Head Coach John Dean.
He added, “Their responsibility now is to model the values we covet as an organization and be ambassadors for us inside the community.”
McConnell-Barker (1st Rd, 2020) , a London ON native, is in his second season with the Greyhounds.
One season ago the 6.02, 196 lb centreman led all Hounds rookies with 23 goals and 26 assists (49 points) in 68 regular season games played..
After producing 5 points in 10 playoff games McConnell-Barker was selected this past summer in the 3rd Round of the 2022 NHL Draft by the Rangers.
“It’s a true honour and a privilege to be selected to lead this group of talented young men. Last year I learned a lot from our lettered players. They taught me the importance of leading by example on the ice but even more importantly off the ice. I’d like to thank my coaching staff and teammates for having the trust in me to lead our team. I’m looking forward to this upcoming season” stated McConnell-Barker.
Watson (5th Rd, 2018) is in his third season with the Greyhounds and one of three overage players on the roster.
A native of Peterborough, ON Watson had a career best 41 point season (15G, 26A) in 2021-22 despite missing 23 games due to injury.
Savard (11th Rd, 2019) is in his second season with the club after a 28-point campaign one year ago despite missing fifteen nights due to injury.
The Peterborough, ON product has been part of both the summer Development Camp and Main Training Camp of the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers.
While both Mark Duarte and Ryan Thompson were acquisitions by the Greyhounds before the start of the season. Thompson, from Mississauga ON, was acquired in a trade by the Hounds in June of 2022. He has previously spent two seasons in the OHL, one with North Bay and the Erie Otters. Duarte, from Hamilton ON, was claimed off waivers last week from his hometown Bulldogs after spending two seasons in the Steel City.
