Look who's this season's Soo Greyhounds captain

NEWS RELEASE

SOO GREYHOUNDS

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The Soo Greyhounds Hockey Club announced this morning that Blake Speers will serve as their captain for the 2015-16 season.

A native of Sault Ste. Marie, ON, Speers has served as one of the club’s alternates through the opening portion of the season leading into today’s announcement.

He follows in a long line of Sault Ste. Marie natives to Captain their hometown club, most recently Colin Miller in 2012-13.

“Over the last few weeks we have seen our young leadership group take big steps on and off the ice. Blake has been one of those leaders in the group that we feel will lead our team in the right direction in the future with the support of the other captains in the room,” stated Hounds Head Coach Drew Bannister

Speers is in his third season with the Hounds and currently leads the team offensively with five goals and 14 assists, good for 19 points, while currently holding a five-game point streak.

Last week he was a member of Team OHL as part of the Canada/Russia Series.

The 5.11, 183-pound winger is coming off a 67-point season (2014-15) season before being selected in the 3rd Round of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft by the New Jersey Devils.

Colton White, Tim Gettinger and Zach Senyshyn will continue to serve as alternate captains for the club.

Blake Speers player bio:

Represented Team OHL in Canada/Russia Series (Nov. 12 @ OS) … Attended 2015 main training camp of New Jersey … Selected in 3rd Round (67th overall) of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft by the New Jersey Devils … Ranked 49th in NHL Central Scoutings Final Rankings for Northern American Skaters heading into 2015 NHL Entry Draft  … Recipient of the Hounds “Scholastic Player of the Year” and “Player’s Player” awards at the team’s 2014-15 banquet … Played in BMO CHL/NHL Top Prospects Roster (Team Orr) and had one assist… Named West Division Academic Player of the Month for December … Notched his first career OHL hat trick on Sunday, December 14, 2014 vs Windsor …Listed as a C rated prospect for the November edition of the NHL Central Scouting's 'Players to Watch' list for the 2015 NHL Draft …  Recorded 19 goals and 21 assists in 62 games played for the Hounds in 2013-2014 … Invited to attend Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team selection camp … Finalist for 2014 OHL Ivan Tennant Award for High school Academics … Named to 2014 OHL All-Rookie Team ... Named Hounds “Rookie of the Year” and “Scholastic Player of the Year” for 2013/14 ... Had two goals and three assists for Team Ontario during the 2014 World Under 17 Hockey Challenge … Scored his first career OHL goal on Saturday, October 12, 2013 vs. Windsor.... Invited to Team Ontario U-17 camp (Aug ’13)

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(PHOTO: Blake Speers is pictured in this file photo. Kenneth Armstrong/SooToday)