Building bridges not fences.
That’s job number one for the Okotoks Oilers’ unquestioned leader in third-year forward and team captain Carter Huber as the Alberta Junior Hockey League squad tackles a youth movement with as many as 11 rookies on the opening-day roster.
“It will be challenging, but also a great opportunity,” Huber said. “The main goal with our leadership group is to make the young guys feel confident coming into the league, which is one of the toughest things to do.
“We want to do our best to ensure they feel comfortable on the ice and off the ice. We’re trying to build a culture in the room this year that lets these young guys know they’re a big piece of this.”
Bridging the gap between the veterans and the rookies, sometimes a source of division in dressing rooms, is one of the chief ventures for the campaign.
“This year we’re trying to diminish a little bit of that separation,” he added. “There is a level of respect some of the older guys have gained and that’s going to withstand no matter what, but to interact and have team building activities throughout the season and built that camaraderie where everyone feels like a big piece to the puzzle, that’s the main goal.”
The 20-year-old established himself as the clear choice to take on captain’s duty in his second season with the squad, apprenticing in the role under Jordie Lawson.
“His leadership qualities, the character, he’s a high-end kid,” said Oilers head coach Tyler Deis. “He’s mature, he’s focused, knows what he wants and his leadership is just off the charts.
“He’s going to lead the troops here. We had Lawson last year who did a phenomenal job and Huber is going to do an outstanding job this year.”
Huber, a focused young man with pages worth of notes to show from his trip to Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside earlier this month for a drug awareness project, made a point of paying attention to his teammates.
“I’ve been lucky my first two years with Okotoks I had some great leaders to look up to with (Connor) Chambers and Jordie,” he said. “Both guys really took me under their wing. Jordie was a guy who led with his play on the ice as a quiet leader. I learned a lot from that.
“I try to have a vocal presence in the room when the situation calls for it, but there isn’t anything that can replace leading by example. That’s the most important thing as a leader. I’ve had a few alternate captain roles over the last few years that have really helped me mature to this point. I’m honoured to represent the organization as captain this year. “
Some of those leadership qualities were passed down by his father, Matt.
“My dad is a big figure in my life as far as what he does in his business life and our family,” Huber said. “I learned a lot from him growing up and the way he handles things whether it’s employees or things at home.”
The Calgarian described the captain’s role as having a big picture view of where things are going while ensuring everyone on the team is doing their job and contributing the way they can.
“The relationship with the coaching staff has grown over the course of last year. It’s good to have that go between with Deis,” Huber said. “And to be able to bring the group as close as possible as we go forward this year.
“We’ve had some talented teams the two years I’ve been here, and it’s exciting to see the talent coming in this year. What’s really exciting is the character of the guys Deis has brought in. I think the attitudes and mix of guys we have is encouraging.
“I think we’re going to have an opportunity here to build something pretty special.”
