Utica Comets head coach Travis Green announced today that veteran forward Carter Bancks has been named the fourth team captain in Comets history.
“Leadership is important on any team and it has to come from within,” said Green. “Carter’s worth ethic, leadership, and personality embodies what it means to be a captain both on and off the ice. He and our leadership group understand the culture and standards that the coaching staff demands from our players.”
Bancks, 27, is entering his third season with the Comets after enjoying a career year in every offensive category last season. Last season Bancks served as one of the team’s alternate captains and became the unquestioned leader in the locker room after Alex Biega was recalled to Vancouver. The Marysville, BC native was the only Comets player to play in every game this season. No stranger to being a team captain, Bancks served as an assistant captain with the Abbotsford Heat during the 2012-13, and 2013-14 season, and as a captain (2009-10), and alternate captain (2008-09) with the WHL’s Lethbridge Hurricanes. Bancks was named the Comets 2015-16 IOA/American Specialty AHL Man of the Year for his outstanding contributions to the Utica community during the season.
“It is a huge honor,” said Bancks. “We have tremendous leadership in our dressing room with several players who have a great deal of respect around the league. It is obviously a great honor and I’m thrilled to be named the captain. I know with my supporting leadership group, we are going to have a great year and will be able to provide guidance to the younger players.”
