Trevor Wong says it feels ‘pretty special’ to be Blades’ next captain

The Saskatoon Blades are skating into the new season with a new captain.

The team announced Friday morning that Trevor Wong would be donning the ‘C’.

The Saskatoon Blades are proud to announce forward Trevor Wong will serve as the 62nd captain in franchise history!

READ 📰 | https://t.co/KHSmykI9MP pic.twitter.com/I7rwUnmO5u

— Saskatoon Blades (@BladesHockey) September 15, 2023

“Totally honoured to be a part of this organization. I got traded here a few years ago, and to be here now and to be the captain of this team and these guys, it just feels pretty special,” said the 20-year-old Wong, who’s heading into his third year with the team.

Wong takes over for Aidan De La Gorgendiere, who served as captain for the last two seasons. De La Gorgendiere graduated out of the Western Hockey League last season.

Wong said De La Gorgendiere taught him a lot over the last few seasons, including “what it means to be a Blade, (and) how to fully embrace the culture of this team and organization.”

The new captain said being a Blade is about more than just being a hockey player

“We like to build men. Guys that graduate from this program, they want to go into this world and be other people other than hockey players,” explained Wong.

Wong may not be the loudest or the most in-your-face type of player, but he said likes his own style of leadership.

“I like to lead by example on the ice with my work ethic,” said Wong.

Wong said he  is no stranger to being a leader on a hockey team.

“I think I was captain in atom, peewee and bantam, but this is kind of the real deal now, having to lead in the western league,”

Wong has the full support of the organization behind him. Head coach Brennan Sonne said Wong is a phenomenal leader and takes pride in being a part of the team.

“Trevor is what the Blades aim to be,” said Sonne.

Trevor Wong. (File photo courtesy of Steve Hiscock/Saskatoon Blades)

“He leads by example. He’s a great teammate. He’s passionate. He doesn’t just lead by barking or taking action, and when he does talk, because he lives it every day, you listen to him.”

Across other levels of hockey, teams tend to give their best player the captain’s label, but Sonne said he believes being a captain is more than just being the best player.

“I think your captain is the guy – along with assistants and the leadership group – that carries and ensures that the culture is being carried by and embraced by the rest of the team,” said Sonne.

The head coach said picking the next captain of the Blades wasn’t an easy decision, but he believes Wong was the right choice.

“Trevor has the heart of a lion. He works constantly and tirelessly,” said Sonne.

Sonne mentioned a time last year when a younger Blades player was having a tough time, wasn’t in the lineup consistently and wasn’t getting the ice time he wanted.

Sonne said that after practice, Wong was talking with the young player in the gym. The head coach said he walked by again 45 minutes later and Wong was still talking to the player and helping him out.

“He very easily could have just left and (said) ‘That kid can figure it out,’ but he didn’t do that,” said Sonne.

“His empathy, his humanity, his aspirations (and) his care for his teammates are all qualities that we want.”

The Blades’ returning players held a vote to get their feedback on who they want as their next captain.

Wong won that vote by a landslide.

The Blades will play their season opener against the Regina Pats at the Brandt Centre next Saturday. The home opener is set for Sept. 24.

Evolution of Trevor Wong

— Saskatoon Blades (@BladesHockey) September 15, 2023