(Photo courtesy of Sun Devil Athletics)
Senior Jordan Young and graduate students Liam Norris and Garrett Peterson have been named captains for the Sun Devils inaugural NCAA season, according to ASU head coach Greg Powers.
In a statement released to the media on Tuesday, Powers said these three men exemplify what Sun Devil hockey is all about.
“After much deliberation and evaluation we felt strongly that our most tenured players should wear letters,” Powers said. “Liam Norris has been here longer than any other coach and player besides myself and has helped build our program. Jordan Young is right behind Liam in tenure and has also helped build this program to where it is today.”
Young, the only senior on the roster, was previously the assistant captain on the ACHA team for the past two years. He has played more games than any player on the current roster besides Norris.
“It’s just an honor,” Young said. “Being able to fill such an important role and to being able to be looked at as a guy who can start off the tradition that people can follow and whatnot, it’s awesome that the guys have faith in us and they can count on me to be that guy.”
Young has a bevy of other experience leading teams, as he served as the captain for the Youngstown Phantoms of the USHL and Team USA in the World University Games last year.
Norris was recently granted another year of eligibility, where he will continue his studies as a graduate student in addition to playing hockey for the Sun Devils. He is entering his fifth season at ASU and is coming off a strong season that led to him earning WCHL MVP honors.
The forward posted 50 points in 36 games last season while, like Young, serving as an assistant captain.
The third captain for ASU is the only one of the three who has NCAA experience. Garrett Peterson, a graduate transfer from Notre Dame, played in 41 games last season for the Fighting Irish. He has also played for the Lincoln Stars of the USHL.
“My heart absolutely sank when Coach told us the captains today in the locker room,” Peterson said. “I have to say it felt like the call I got from Coach to come to ASU for the first time. My heart totally sank then and to be named the captain of this inaugural team, it’s just an honor. Not a lot of words can describe it.”
Powers said there will not be any assistant captains, as all three will wear the “C” on their chest during games.
The Sun Devils will begin their season on Oct. 3 against the University of Arizona at Gila River Arena.
You can reach the author via e-mail at jjanower@asu.edu or on Twitter @JanowerJacob.
