Head coach Clayton Bertrand and his staff fully believe they have the team to capture the Great North U18 AAA League title in 2025-2026.

In terms of the player tapped to show the way, the young man chosen to don the captaincy for the upcoming season, Bertrand and company also believe they have their man.

Making the jump to forward last year after playing defense throughout his minor hockey career, Denver Mulligan proceeded to lead his team in scoring, finishing fifth overall in the northern loop with 26 goals and 25 assists in 31 games.

This choice, however, runs much deeper than the numbers.

"We spoke to a lot of the players from last year, a lot of the guys who wore letters last year and have moved on and they all suggested that selecting Denver as captain was a no-brainer," noted coach Bertrand.

"He took on a leadership role last year, even without a letter - and committed early to coming back. That's what we want from our players."

Blessed with above average skating ability, Mulligan also showcased his mental aptitude for the game in his first year with the team, transitioning quickly to a new position while drawing upon elements of his long-time post.

"I am able to read what the defenseman is likely to do, just because I was in that position for a long time," said Mulligan, preparing to celebrate his 17th birthday in August. "I can plan one step ahead and kind of beat them that way."

That said, the grade 12 student at St Charles College was quick to deflect the credit as he absorbed the nuances of his assignments at forward like a ten-year veteran of the position.

"My coaches last year helped me a lot - and my teammates never gave up on me," said Mulligan. "I had the same linemates for much of the year, especially with Noah (Lafrance) at center."

Though the team captured the GNU18AAA banner last year, the fact remains that the U18 Wolves sat in fourth place at the end of regular season play and posted a pedestrian 1-2-1 record in the playoff round robin before catching lightning in a bottle.

Of more concern is the fact that their league leading 894 minutes in penalties were almost 200 minutes higher than the next closest team - a reality that coaches and players alike realize must change in 2025-2026.

"I think it starts off-ice with building chemistry, doing what we have to in the room which will lead to the guys playing for each other," said Mulligan. "Hopefully that keeps them out of the box."

For as much as their league playoff run was memorable - at least, the final two games most definitely were - their showing at the ensuing OHF Championships was not at all what they had hoped for.

"We didn't do too well at OHFs," said Mulligan. "Winning the league is something, but we want to make a run at OHFs, make a statement."

On a personal level, Denver Mulligan is not one to make a statement - certainly not in terms of espousing a rallying monologue to lead his team into battle. Simply not his style.

"He is a quiet guy and is going to lead by example," said Bertrand. "He is a guy that we want to model our team after, a guy that comes to the rink every day, works hard and will drag guys into the fight."

"With him, that's what we want."

That's what they want of their captain.