Connor Clark has filled his role as captain of the Pelham Panthers to a tee.

Panthers coach Zac Rinaldo named Clark team captain before training camp last summer and has been thrilled with the way the hard working forward has handled the job.

“The captain is an extension of the coach so I thought Connor would be the best player and the best person to be that extension of me and he’s been doing a great job with it,” Rinaldo said. “Connor has done that exact thing from the start of summer development program all the way into training camp and the season and he’s still doing it on an everyday basis.”

Rinaldo feels it is vital for a captain to be genuine.

“I like my captains to be themselves all day, every day,” Rinaldo said. “They need to lead by example —they don’t need to be the most vocal person —  but I think leading by example means the most and to have a true sense of who they are every day and come to work every day willing to better themselves, better their teammates.”

Clark, an 18-year-old native of Waterdown, had never worn the C at any level.

“It was a new experience and new opportunity for me,” Clark said. “I was ready to take it on. I’m learning along the way with Zac’s leadership, along with Emelie (general manager Emelie Ficht). It’s been a good learning experience. I feel like you can’t change the person you are. You have to be yourself.”

“I’m honoured to be captain of this organization.”

Clark, who played 22 games for the Panthers last season, pointed to former Pelham captain Jason Gee as a mentor.

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