He was a fan favourite in Kelowna and he’s once again assumed that role in Seattle.

Conner Bruggen-Cate was part of the blockbuster deal that the Kelowna Rockets made with the Seattle Thunderbirds at the 2019 WHL bantam draft in May.

The deal saw Dillon Hamaliuk, Jake Lee and Cole Schwebius all traded to the Rockets, the first major deal to try and stock up for a run to the Memorial Cup.

Today, Bruggen-Cate was named captain of the Thunderbirds, the 38th captain in franchise history.

“We are fortunate that we have a large group of guys that are able to lead,” said Bill La Forge, Thunderbirds GM. 

“Conner has shown that he is right at the top of that group. Players, young and old, look up to him and he has shown great leadership all season.”

The 20-year-old has 11 goals and 16 assists for 27 points so far this season and is currently on an impressive eight-game point streak.

He replaces Matthew Wedman as the team’s captain, who ironically was traded to Kelowna in early December.