For the first time in Cranbrook Bucks history, the club has a captain with definitive Kootenay roots.
Earlier this season, Bucks coach Ryan Donald introduced the trio who has been selected to head this year’s leadership group, with Bryce Sookro as captain and assistant captains Jacob Fletcher and Nick Capasso.
Sookro, who is from Nelson, BC, is into his third full season with the Bucks and has recently announced his commitment to Clarkson University in upstate New York, where he will play NCAA Division 1 hockey.
The veteran defenseman is looking forward to making some noise in the postseason when spring rolls around. “I’ve been here for three years, and I think it’s about time we get it going in the playoffs,” says Sookro. “Things are looking good, we’ve got a bit of an older group, I think we’re going to be pretty solid this year.”
The captain says this year’s group on the blueline should be a force to be reckoned with. “Lots of offense coming in, and we’re sound defensively as well. Should be a good balance,” Sookro says.
Bryce Sookro getting physical versus Okotoks.
Forward Jacob Fletcher is back for his second full campaign with the Bucks, and he’s earned a spot on this year’s leadership group as an assistant captain after finding his game through the second half of las season and playoffs.
“It was a big confidence-booster,” Fletcher says, referring to his strong finish in 2023-24. “I think it’s a lot easier coming back for your second year. It’s a long season, and as long as we stick to our gameplan I think it will work out.”
The Nova Scotia native expects big things from this year’s edition of the Bucks. “I think there’s a lot more character in the room [this season]. A lot of guys who want to work hard and get better,” says Fletcher.
Jacob Fletcher in action versus Sherwood Park.
Nick Capasso, from Northford, Connecticut, was a late addition to Cranbrook’s forward group last season, he rounds out this year’s leadership group as an assistant captain after a strong showing through training camp and preseason.
“I make sure I have everybody’s back,” states Capasso. “That’s my main goal, I’ll put [my teammates] in front of me any day of the week.”
Capasso says this year’s club is gelling together very nicely. “It’s awesome to see,” Capasso says. “We do not fold under pressure. We will give you our all until the third period twenty minutes is up.”
Nick Capasso is playing a key role in his second year with the Bucks.
All three players have played a role in the club’s strong start to the 2024-25 campaign, with Sookro holding the early lead in team scoring, Fletcher performing at a point-a-game pace and Capasso being utilized for crucial faceoffs, particularly in the Bucks zone.
The team will look to this trio for leadership and guidance through the season’s ebbs and flows, and all three are clearly up for the task.
