The 37th captain in Detroit Red Wings history is none other than Michigan native Dylan Larkin, a former Michigan Wolverine who grew up cheering for the team which he now wears the “C”.
Of course, the captaincy once belonged to the likes of Steve Yzerman, Henrik Zetterberg and Nicklas Lidstrom – all players that Larkin grew up idolizing.
Following today’s skate at Little Caesars Arena in preparation for tomorrow night’s season opener, Larkin met virtually with media members for the first time since the announcement was made official this morning, and stated the honor he feels in bearing the responsibility ahead.
He began by thanking his teammates
I’m very honored to be captain of the Detroit Red Wings,” he said. “I’ll try my best to be a leader on and off the ice for my teammates and my city, and I’m pretty excited.”
“It’s hard to put into words I understand the significance of this role, I’ve seen it my whole life. I’ve been a fan, and been around fans at games to know what it means not only to be a Red Wing, but now be the captain. I couldn’t be more honored.”
“I try to be myself every day with a great support system that allow me to do that…it makes me more responsible and voice my opinion to the guys. It’s hard to put into words – it means so much to me and I couldn’t be more honored and thankful for all the fans who have supported me and the team along the way.”
Larkin explained that it was Yzerman who informed him of the decision to name him the team’s next captain in a private meeting.
“It was special,” he said of the process. “I didn’t need a big announcement or anything, it was just a meeting with Steve yesterday. And he asked me if I was willing to accept the responsibility, and I said ‘absolutely’. He feels like I’m ready and I feel like I’m ready…it was a great conversation and it was a great feeling when he asked. We both smiled, through the masks. It was a very good conversation…I’m very honored he looks at me as a person that could wear the ‘C’ for the Detroit Red Wings.”
Larkin also explained that he reached out to former captain and teammate Henrik Zetterberg during last season, which was a rough one for everyone involved.
“I couldn’t thank him enough for the person he is and how he’s kind of handed the torch onto me,” Larkin said.
The Red Wings and their new captain officially hit the ice Thursday night against the Carolina Hurricanes (7:30 PM EST, Fox Sports Detroit).
– – Quotes viaa Detroit Red Wings Link – –
