Rockets name Nolan Foote 25th captain in franchise history

 
Kelowna Rockets president and general manager Bruce Hamilton announced today that veteran forward Nolan Foote has been named the 25th captain in franchise history.

“As general manager, I included all of our hockey operations people in this decision,” Hamilton said. “When you’re picking a captain, you need someone who is going to be a proven leader and, in my mind, Nolan will be a great leader for the Rockets this season. He’s been our best player most nights this season so far, and I believe that your captain has to be your best player most nights.

“I think his brother Cal was an excellent captain for us, and he has a lot of those traits of his brother. He’s come out of his first NHL camp stronger than ever.”

Nolan takes over as captain after the Rockets went without one last season. His older brother, Cal Foote, was the last captain of the team, wearing the “C” during the 2017-2018 campaign.

“It means a lot,” said Nolan. “Obviously the Kelowna Rockets are such a great organization, one of the best in the Canadian Hockey League (CHL). I’m very honoured to wear it. It’s a huge year hosting the Memorial Cup and I want to lead this team to a championship.”

Nolan Foote, 18-years-old, is in his fourth season with Kelowna. He’s currently tied for first in team scoring with 13 points (6G-7A) in nine games. Last season, the Denver, Colo. native collected 63 points (36G-27A) in 66 games.

A second-round pick, 43rd overall, by the Rockets in 2015, Foote has spent his entire WHL career with Kelowna. The Tampa Bay Lightning selected him this past June during the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft with the 27th-overall selection.

Nolan will debut with the ‘C’ on Saturday, October 19 (8 p.m. PT) as the Rockets visit the Kamloops Blazers at the Sandman Centre in Kamloops, B.C.