Winnipeg Jets give Blake Wheeler an ‘A’ this season

Blake Wheeler has proven to be one of the most talented and forthright of the Winnipeg Jets players since the team moved to Winnipeg, and for the 2014-15 season, the Jets have added an ‘A’ to his jersey.  He will join Mark Stuart as an Alternate Captain while Andrew Ladd will continue to “wear the C”.

There seems to be some confusion when it comes to what exactly the ‘A’ stands for as, assistant, alternate and associate are all used interchangeably.

Upon checking the NHL rule book, under rule 6.2, the “A” stands for alternate.

Here is NHL rule 6.2, the role of the alternate captain, verbatim:

“If the permanent Captain is not on the ice, Alternate Captains (not more than two) shall be accorded the privileges of the Captain.  Alternate Captains shall wear the letter “A” approximately three inches (3”) in height and in contrasting color, in a conspicuous position on the front of their sweaters. Only when the Captain is not in uniform, the Coach shall have the right to designate three Alternate Captains. This must be done prior to the start of the game.”