Vipers unveil new captain

Photo: Contributed

You could say he earned the captaincy based on Marritt.

Connor Marritt was named the Vernon Vipers' newest captain on Wednesday.

Head coach and general manager Jason McKee said Marritt's character was the clincher for the selection.

"We talked with a number of the players and with other people around the Vipers. It’s clear that his character suits the role; he’s a great teammate and really good in the community," McKee said.

"He works hard; he takes no shortcuts and that suits the culture that we want to have. Basically, he embodies the kind of person we want on the Vipers. And it’s a bonus that he’s a local player, growing up in Vernon and in Kelowna."

Marritt, 20, recently committed to Northern Michigan for 2020-21.

He describes the captaincy as a huge honour. 

"I’ve watched previous Viper captains and I played with Jags [Jagger Williamson] for two years, so I know how much responsibility is involved," Marritt said. "I’ve seen the way Jags interacted in the community. Also, he was so good with his teammates, making everybody feel part of the team. He’s a guy’s guy, someone whom we all like and respect."

Marritt is impressed with the pro-style system that the coach will introduce this season.

"It’s a little different than the system we’ve been used to, so it’s important that the team leaders help the new players buy into this way of playing," Marritt said. "I think with the strong players we have returning and the good new signings, we’re going to have a really good team."