Your Creation Blackburn Hawks would like announce ahead of our 2025/26 season our Captain and Assistant Captains.
Andy McKinney
Being able to name Andy McKinney as captain going forward is an absolute pleasure. It was apparent right from the start we didn’t have to look very far when looking for the C. I had talked to most guys about the direction of our leadership and his name came up constantly which confirmed what myself and Ollie had spoken about when choosing the next C.
We have a lot of guys in the room that have experience and that have contributed to our success in the leadership department.
Andy’s experience, work rate, and respect he has earned from them guys on down to the full organisation makes him the perfect fit. As a coaching staff we have decided that McKinney is the guy to lead this group. There are all types of leaders from quiet to vocal. Andy has the ability to be both. He knows when to speak and most importantly how to speak when the time is right and not afraid to hold guys as well as us as the coaching staff but does it with respect!! We will need this throughout this year to accomplish what we have set out too.
Jacob Lutwyche
Jake has been with us for sometime now. Every leader has a different style. Jake is quiet, he’s reserved and leads on the ice by example. Jake and I have spoken more than usual last season about what we as a coaching staff need to offer more of to help the team be the best they can every night.
I have a tremendous amount of respect for Jake and look forward to him continuing to not only produce so much of what he does on the ice but to continue to support us as a coaching staff when we need it. Myself and Ollie have a very different approach to our players and Jake is one of the reasons why.
James Riddoch
I say this a lot…what can I say about Ridz. He is the type of guy who can sway a room. He’s also a quiet leader but keeps the room loose. You need that from time to time and also know when to tighten up. He’s Blackburn through and through and will be here longer than most of us will ever be.
I’ve seen Ridz grow since the time I have been here and the respect that the guys have for him. He is a perfect character to have as a leader. His attitude is always second to none. The thing that I love the most about him is his ability to listen and learn. He’s capable of listening and when guys see that someone who has been here as long as he has he still has the respect to take direction and show respect to everyone it goes a long way.