The Ice Hawks have named the leadership group for the 2023-24 season!
Yuji Akimoto will be wearing the “C” this season for the Ice Hawks, and will be backed up by assistants Carson Merriman, Conner Merriman, and Tye Hemenway. Yuji, Carson, and Conner are entering their third year with the Ice Hawks and their final season in Junior hockey, while Tye still has two seasons left and is in his second season with Delta. Veterans Ryan Bal and Austin Kofler will also be a part of the leadership group this season – Bal is entering his third season as a Hawk, and Kofler has been a Hawk for four seasons now.
Captain Yuji Akimoto –
From Coach Steve: “Our Captain for the 23/24 season will be Yuji Akimoto. Yuji is a dynamic player who impacts the game every time he steps on the ice. Often leading our team in ice time, hits, +/-, shots, blocks – Yuji does it all. He plays all out all the time. He also brings a very determined, serious, and focused approach off the ice with his fitness and preparation. Yuji is going into his 3rd season as a Hawk, was part of the assistant captain group last year, and will wear the “C” for Hawks this season as defending champs.”
Assistant Captain Carson Merriman –
From Coach Steve: “Carson Merriman was also part of the assistant captain rotation last season. Much like his brother, Carson’s play is outstanding and speaks for itself. Carson skates miles and always leads the team in takeaways as a forward and assists. He plays in all situations and leads by example on and off the ice. Carson will wear an “A” full time this season.”
Assistant Captain Conner Merriman –
From Coach Steve: “Conner Merriman was part of the assistant captain rotation last season. Conner is a force of nature on the ice with speed, shot, and ability to be physical and impact the game in so many ways. He is a goal-scorer and our best penalty killer. He brings it on the ice and is a natural leader amongst the guys off the ice. Conner will wear an “A” full time this season.”
Assistant Captain Tye Hemenway –
From Coach Steve: “Tye Hem is our newest captain and only non ’03 player. Tye is going into his second season with Hawks and from day 1 last season, he always brought great leadership traits through his own hard work and preparation. His play spoke for itself, especially as the season wore on and his consistent, steady presence on and off the ice made him an easy choice to wear an “A” this season.”
Rounding out the Leadership Group:
Ryan Bal
From Coach Steve: “Ryan is going into his third year with Hawks – he provides a steady presence on the ice and transitions the puck as well as any D in our league. Ryan has played many BCHL games with Rivermen over past two seasons and was a big part of our championship last season.”
Austin Kofler
From Coach Steve: “Austin was signed as a 16-year-old and after taking some time to play overseas, he came back last season to be a big part of our championship. He played huge role in playoffs on our second line and key PK contributor. Austin is a great teammate and mentor for our younger players; always welcoming and encouraging. We look for a big year from Kof as part of our quest to repeat.”
