Captain Caleb
Former Thorold Blackhawk Caleb Thompson is the new captain of the St. Catharines Falcons. Photo: BILL POTRECZ
St. Catharines Falcons general manager/coach Tyler Bielby chose to select his leadership group organically this season.
With a large turnover of veterans gone from last year, Bielby sat back and watched how all the newcomers blended in for the first few weeks of training camp.
Bielby quickly noticed Caleb Thompson and how he handled himself and quickly fit into a leadership role.
“Historically, we look at returning players or hometown or local kids but because of the turnover and changes we really had an opportunity to pay attention early as the boys walked in to see who’s who and who leads without putting too much weight on it,” Bielby said.
Thompson, a 20-year-old Alliston native, replaces Jonah Boria, who graduated and is now at Brock.
“He’s an exceptional young man who has come to work hard every day,” Bielby said of Thompson. “The way he is handling our young guys is the reason he is our captain. We feel we have a tight-knit group and with the support of the leaders they have been able to bring this group together early.
“I’m blown away by Caleb’s maturity and natural leadership.”
Thompson, who played the last two seasons with Cobourg of the Ontario Junior Hockey League, is thrilled to wear the C.
“The organization has such a rich history and to be able to wear that C in my first year is unbelievable. It’s such an honour, especially with our group of guys, you can’t really put it into words,” Thompson said.
Thomson feels integrity is the best policy when it comes to leadership.
“Just being openly honest with the guys and don’t sugar coat anything,” Thompson said when asked for his views on leadership. “Including everybody, I think is a huge thing. You have 16- to 20-year-olds and some guys are in university, some in high school and some are working, so to have everybody included will make our team so tight and that leads to success.”
Thompson feels respect is also key.
“It goes back to including everybody, treating everybody like they’re a five-year, 20-year-old. Everybody deserves that respect and when you respect players, you get respect back. I think that’s one of our biggest staples, treating everyone the way you would want to be treated,” he said.
Bielby agrees.
“When you look at captains, they all bring something different to the table,” he said. “It’s very important all of them have very high morals, high character, carry themselves with integrity, treat the people around them well, treat our volunteers well. As far as that goes, nothing has changed with our captaincy.”
Thompson said he has felt at home from Day 1 of camp.
“The boys have been amazing. They have all been open and inclusive and respect anybody that comes in, which is unbelievable,” he said. “Ty and the whole coaching staff have been awesome with me.”
Thompson joined the Falcons this season after enrolling in the sport management at Brock.
“I had injuries and wasn’t sure if I wanted to stay at the junior A level and decided to go to school,” he said.
He was also encouraged to join the Falcons at the suggestion of good buddy, Colin Ewing. Ewing and Cal Reesor will join Thompson in the leadership group as assistant captains.
Thomson can’t wait for Friday’s opener versus Caledonia.
“We’ve been talking about it for awhile now and it gives you goosebumps,” he said.
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