The Vancouver Canucks named Bo Horvat the 14th captain in franchise history on Wednesday and team owner Francesco Aquilini is happy with the choice.
Aquilini congratulated the 24-year-old on Twitter after the announcement during the opening ceremonies of the Canucks’ home opener. The owner added that he believes Horvat was the right player to “represent the team, the franchise and the city.”
The Canucks owner also praised the various characteristics the six-year veteran has demonstrated since he was drafted ninth overall by Vancouver in the 2013 NHL Draft, including Horvat’s desire to put the team ahead of himself.
Back in August, Aquillini hinted at the possibility of Horvat being the next captain when he sent out a letter to season ticket members where he credited “Horvat’s emergence as a confident leader.”
When the Canucks announced that Horvat, Chris Tanev, Alex Edler and Brandon Sutter would form their leadership team this season, Aquillini said in an interview with Sportsnet 650 that the choice on who would be the next captain was “probably the worst-kept secret in town but I’m not going to let the cat out of the bag.”
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