Utah Grizzlies coach-GM Tim Branham decided on this season’s team captains rather than a team vote, but said that if the players were to pick, he’d confident their picks would have been the same as his.

For the 2015-16 ECHL season, Brent Gwidt will wear the ‘C’ and Barry Almeida and Alex Gallant will assume alternate captain roles.

“I have chosen these three to be captains because they lead by example on and off the ice every single day,” said Branham. “They bring consistency to our team and are great role models for our younger players. We also have some veteran guys that only add to our leadership core this season.”

Gwidt (pictured) is in his fourth season in Utah after captaining the University of Nebraska-Omaha during his college days. He served as an alternate captain for the Grizzlies last season.

“Brent’s demeanor is what sets him apart from the rest of the team,” said Branham. “He’s a professional, he’s confident and he’s consistent on and off the ice.”

For Almeida, currently on the sidelines with an upper-body injury, he’s the on-ice voice for the Grizzlies, said Branham.

“He’s won a Kelly Cup and been to a league final, so he knows what it takes to win,” Branham explained. “Barry sets a great example on the ice and is just as good a leader off the ice.”

Branham went on to say that Gallant has the toughest job of anyone on the team.

“Yeah, Alex is the one that fights all the league’s tough guys,” Branham said. “He’s in his second year with us, but he’s technically a rookie. He’s as consistent off the ice as he is on the ice and every day, he brings it and gives as much as anyone I’ve ever seen at this level.”

Looking ahead, Branham is hopeful that the Grizzlies can keep building and improving.

“We’re definitely a resilient club,” said Branham. “We have 11 rookies and we’re a young team, but we keep finding ways to win. Everyone has bought in and as a coach, there’s not much more you can ask for.”

Photo/Centerline Photography

— Matt Mackinder