Panthers name Derek MacKenzie captain, Jussi Jokinen, Aaron Ekblad as alternates
SUNRISE, Fla. -- Florida Panthers President of Hockey Operations Dale Tallon announced Sunday that forward Derek MacKenzie has been named the ninth captain in franchise history. MacKenzie joins Brian Skrudland (1993-1997), Scott Mellanby (1997-2001), Paul Laus/Pavel Bure (2001-2002), Olli Jokinen (2005-2008), Bryan McCabe (2009-2011), Ed Jovanovski (2013-2014) and Willie Mitchell (2014-16) as the other Panthers captains in the club's 23-year history.
"Derek embodies the type of character and work ethic we want a Florida Panther to possess," said Tallon. "He is a respected leader both on and off the ice in this organization and within the South Florida community. We are very excited to move forward with Derek as our team's captain."
The 35-year old MacKenzie recorded 13 points (6-7-13) in 64 games with the Panthers in the 2015-16 season and signed a two-year contract extension with the club on July 6, 2016.
A veteran of 453 career NHL games, MacKenzie has recorded 95 points (42-53-95) with the Panthers (2014-16), Columbus Blue Jackets (2007-2014) and Atlanta Thrashers (2001-07). The 5-foot-11, 181-pound native of Sudbury, Ontario was originally selected by Atlanta in the fifth round (128th overall) of the 1999 NHL Draft.
Forward Jussi Jokinen and defenseman Aaron Ekblad will serve as the Panthers alternate captains.
The Florida Panthers open the regular season at the BB&T Center on Oct. 13 against the New Jersey Devils. Full and partial ticket packages are now available that include flexible payment plans. In addition, single game suites and group pricing are available for the 2016-17 season. Please call (954) 835-PUCK (7825) or visit FloridaPanthers.com/TicketCentral to purchase your ticket plan.
