In ice hockey, the captain is the player designated by a team as the only person authorized to speak with the game officials regarding rule interpretations when the captain is on the ice. At most levels of play each team must designate one captain and a number of alternate captains (usually two) who speak to the officials when the captain is on the bench. Captains wear a "C" on their sweaters, while alternate captains wear an "A".

Officially captains have no other responsibility or authority, although they may, depending on the league or individual team, have various informal duties, such as participation in pre-game ceremonies or other events outside the game. As with most team sports that designate captains, the captain is usually a well-respected player and a de facto team leader.

Selection

Captains are usually veteran players, though on occasion younger players are chosen. The selection is often seen as an important moment for a team, and one that can affect the team's (and newly appointed captain's) performance. Captains are selected by different means: in some instances, teams have held votes among their players to choose a team captain, while on other occasions, the choice was made by team management. Captains are often chosen due to their seniority in the game and years of service with their current club. However, franchise players—current or emerging stars—have also been named captains.

Role

The team as constructed is built upon leadership. On any team, captains are a valuable source of leadership and this is magnified on this team. The captains of this team will always remain loyal to their teammates and will represent them as they would hope to be represented by others. No captain will wear a letter unless they fully understand that they are not entitled to any special treatment, but are expected to undertake more responsibility than those who do not wear the letter.

What this means for the AMHA

Captains will play an integral role in this team’s success. They will be involved in practice planning, game management, pre and post game wrap ups, disciplinary measures/ decisions, and will be credited as such. Their opinions will represent not only themselves, but their team’s opinion as well.

Coaches will reserve the right to remove captaincy and letters associated with it if they determine the captain(s) are not representing their team, begin feeling entitled to special treatment, or behaving/displaying any other characteristic not in line with team goals, mandates, or expectations.

Captains will be chosen by the team procedure as it may vary from team to team, especially between age groups.

Captains will be held to a higher standard of behavior, levels of respect, effort, and conformity to team goals than other players.

The letters on your jersey are more important to your teammates and coaches than the name on the back or the front of the jersey. Captains have an effect on those on his team well beyond the rink and will have an indirect impact on how players view leaders in the future. Honor of the letter through your behavior is of utmost importance. Earning needless major penalties, mouthing off or insulting anyone, or otherwise disrespecting the team while in possession of those letters are all direct grounds for forfeiture of the responsibilities and privileges there within. 

Captains will be expected to organize the team’s entry and exit onto the ice, begin and end drills in accordance with coaches’ wishes, and are responsible for shaking of opposing coaches hands prior to every game as well as every official and opposing captain after each game.

Topics for Discussion

1. How do they deal with kids picking on other kids

2. How do they set the “tone” of their team

3. How can they include everyone- team building-

4. Support their peers and their development

5. Appropriate support and encouragement vs being a “boss”

6. How to approach the coach

7. How to deal with losses or things not going well

8. Conflict resolution between captains or peers

9. Respecting the game, opponent, and officials

10. Dealing with not being selected

AMHA Mission

The Austin Metro Hockey Association (AMHA) is a youth organization operating the Texas Junior Stars and Texas Rising Stars, which offers all levels of play for young people from 8 to 18 years of age. The AMHA believes that education, personal development, teamwork, loyalty and sportsmanship will lead to the development of every individual and a community’s solidarity through the honor of sport. The AMHA embodies the personal commitment to create a positive, passionate, character building experience for all.

Within the Texas Junior Stars and Texas Rising Stars, every team, player, parent, customer, and service provider will be part of a community that will extend beyond the doors of the rink. The AMHA develops hockey players with key core values which we believe provide our players the best opportunity to succeed at the next level whether that is high school, college, professional or life outside of competitive sports.

CORE VALUES 

Within the Texas Junior Stars and Texas Rising Stars ‘winning’ isn't everything but the commitment to competition is key. The core values we strive to teach and instill are:

1. Integrity

2. Discipline

3. Respect

4. Sportsmanship

5. Excellence

6. Leadership