The Calgary Dragons have been one of the most successful teams in the SHL over the past 4 seasons, winning 2 cups and most recently the President’s Trophy. It's been a good run and we plan to keep winning as much as possible. One of the reasons for our success has always been our extremely positive locker room and leadership group. We have many great leaders in Calgary, but only a few can wear letters... Before making this announcement I’d like to thank Kriss Labsvards and Sachimo Zoidberg for being great Captains over the past 4 seasons, each hoisted a cup with a C on their jersey, a great accomplishment for 2 career Dragons. I believe Labsvards was the first ever Latvian born Head Captain to win the cup.
Moving forward we wanted to get one of the league’s best and most active members into a role he was always destined for. After being the 1st overall selection in the S24 draft, he waited patiently for his time to break into the SHL and did so in style, scoring 21 goals as a rookie and winning the rookie of the year award in S26. Since then he’s won 2 cups and scored 20+ goals in 5 straight seasons. He works extremely hard, carries himself with class around the league and epitomizes the kind of person and player we look for in Calgary. I’m extremely happy to announce the newest Captain of the Dragons...
Randy Randleman!!!!
Randleman will be joined by current Alternate Captain Michael Boychuk, who’s done an excellent job wearing the A the past few seasons. “Big Game†Boychuk is clutch on the ice, most recently scoring the game 7 OT winner against Seattle this past season. He's also increased his production in each season since joining team after being drafted 5th overall in S23, putting up a career year last season with 41 points. Boychuk is as good off the ice as he is on the ice and we’re happy to have him continue as one of the leaders of this team.
Newest Alternate Captain: Nicholas Pedersen!!!
Amazingly Pedersen has never worn a letter in his long career. He was more than qualified back in his Junior days playing for Detroit, but was happy letting others have the honor. He was then qualified in LA but was not able to crack the long time leadership group they had there. He’s been with Calgary since S25 and has been a leader since the day he arrived. Pedersen has always done what’s best for the team and wants nothing more than to win. He doesn’t need fanfare and is probably the best “under the radar†player in the league. He represents us well, he supports his teammates and coaches, he’s won 2 cups with the Dragons and even put up a career season last year with 54 points. We’re pleased to put a letter on Nicholas Pedersen’s jersey, it’s been a long time coming.
Back up Alternates: In case of emergency where Boychuk or Pedersen can’t suit up, whether it’s because Pedersen’s wife has him on diaper detail or Boychuk is too hung over to skate, Chris Johnson and Bubba Nuck will wear the A in their absence.
The Dragons are excited to enter the S31 season with our leadership group in place. Our goal is to bring the cup back to Calgary and we know we have the pieces to do it. Adding another premier player like Pierre-Luc Laflamme was huge for us and we look forward to another fun season in parm land.
#1 All-Time SHL Goal & Point Scorer - First 2,000 TPE Player in SHL History - - First 400 Goal Scorer in SHL History - - Only 500 Goal Scorer in SHL History - - First GM to Win 5 & 6 Challenge Cups - Esa Anrikkanen Award - SMJHL ROY - Est. S34 Vidrik Onoprienko Award Winner - S45
Thanks Esa. It's an honor to wear a letter for such an amazing franchise. I appreciate the kind words.
Like I said in the LR, I'm lucky that i've spent my time with two fantastic organization, that had great leadership. From Bottas in LA to Kriss Labsvards and Sachimo Zoidberg here in Calgary.
So I am eager and looking forward to winning alot of games, and hopefully bringing the cup back to Calgary for the third time in 5 seasons.
"“HA HA! THIS GAME WILL NEVER END! I POSSESS THE SOUL OF EVERY GOALIE ON TEAM B!! CREW 4 LIFE!! SIGN WITH EDMONTON FOR THE CUP!!!” cackled Belial as he placed a Fedora on his head." SMJHL Commisioner S17-S26 Calgary Dragons GM S14-S23
Thank you for the huge honor, Esa. I'm going to do everything I can to fill this role and help continue the wave if success we've had here under your leadership. I'm looking forward to leading this amazing group of players and continuing to learn from the best GM in the game.