DIDSBURY - Mountain View Colts captain Paton Rothenbusch has been leading his team by example so far in the 2022-23 season, with the Didsbury-based squad off to a strong eight-win, four-loss start.
In his first season as captain, Paton, 19, has been on the Colts for four seasons. He says he’s been enjoying his captain’s role so far.
“It’s been going well,” Paton said in an Albertan interview. “I have been a captain before, on other teams, when I was younger so I know my role in the position.
“We’ve gotten off to a hot start and we want to keep going with that. For the young guys on the team, I show them the ropes and lead by example on the ice because it’s a bigger, faster league than what they’ve played in before.
“I want to lead the younger guys by example so hopefully they can lead when they are in my position.”
So far this season Paton is tied for the lead in Colts scoring with fellow forward Steven Bell, each with 13 points.
Paton says his role as captain includes working closely with head coach Dan Visser, the other coaches and the team’s assistant captains.
“We have our whole leadership group and we talk with our coaches a lot,” he said. “We are clicking and we are confident.”
The outstanding play of the Colts’ number one goalie Chance Griffith has been key to the team’s success so far, he said.
“He was our MVP last season and he’s picked up where he left off,” he said.
Asked about some of the Colts’ immediate goals, he said beating Heritage Junior B Hockey League north division rivals Sylvan Lake Wranglers is top of list.
“We’ve lost two games in a row to Sylvan so we definitely have a little chip on our shoulder for those guys,” he said.
Paton has been playing hockey since he was three-years-old. He came up in the Didsbury minor hockey system.
Paton’s brother Laine was the Colts captain for two years, including last season. His cousin Cole Sutherland was also Colts team captain in the past.
Paton is currently taking courses online at Lethbridge College. He is studying Criminal Justice and his plan is to become a parole officer.
