Means a lot to be captain of Braves: Kerr – Recorder & Times

Tim Ruhnke – Recorder & Times

Simon Kerr is taking it game by game.

The Brockville Braves defenceman is enjoying his leadership role with the Jr. A club. Kerr, who will soon turn 20, was named captain shortly before the Braves’ home-opener in early September. He succeeded Fred Allaire, who graduated this spring.

“It means a lot to me,” Kerr said in an interview Thursday.

This is Kerr’s third year with the Braves; the captain has played almost 130 regular-season games for Brockville. He has four goals and seven assists in 14 games this season. Kerr was part of both Brockville teams that made it to the CCHL semi-finals but were eliminated by the Ottawa Jr. Senators, who went on to win consecutive league championships.

“I think we have high expectations this season,” the captain commented.

Kerr indicated that the team’s approach is similar to last year, although he acknowledged that many of the current players weren’t on the Braves roster for last year’s playoff run.

“Our goal is to win every night,” he declared. “Come to practice ready to work and try to get better every day.”

Days before he was named captain, Brockville head coach Randy Jones referred to Kerr as “a leadership guy” whom other players look up to.

“You know what you’re going to get from him day in day out,” Jones said.

Kerr, who is from Kingston, said wearing the C hasn’t really changed the way he deals with his teammates on the ice and in the room.

“It adds a bit or pressure, but it’s all good. I’m enjoying it a lot.”

Prior to Friday night’s game with Navan at the Memorial Centre, Brockville was 7-4-3 and in fourth place in the Robinson Division. The Braves were two points behind second-place Kanata and one point behind Pembroke.

“I think we have the pieces to contend,” said Kerr, who emphasized the ongoing effort to improve special teams play and other aspects of the game. “The more you work on it, the more consistent you’re going to get.”

The Braves will welcome the Hawkesbury Hawks to the Brockville Memorial Centre for a Sunday matinee; puck drops at 3.

Original Story at Recorder.ca