NEWS

LW Mike Blaum (Malvern, PA / West Chester Quakers) has been named captain of the 2016-2017 Richmond Spiders ice hockey club. The senior has been with the team since 2013-2014, his freshman year, and after finishing third on the team in total points as a sophomore, he led the team in scoring last year as a junior. Blaum plays with speed and authority, and is always in the right position, no matter which zone he’s playing in.

A computer science major, Blaum calls it “an honor to wear the ‘C’ given the leaders that have worn it before me.”

“I’m excited to lead a talented group of guys,” he added.

HC Jason Block calls Blaum "the complete player...smart, fast, offensively gifted with good hands, physical and willing to dish out hits; disciplined, great in his own zone...he sets a great example in terms of practice play, commitment, effort, and compete level. He's the kind of player you hope to have 20 of when you mold a team."

The team has also named senior defenseman Sam Blakley (Scarsdale, NY / Scarsdale HS) and senior goaltender Michael Collins (Darien, CT / Darien HS) as the alternate captains.

Collins, the ultimate competitor who has been with the team since his freshman season, is a true gamer in net. His demeanor sets the example and is contagious for the team in front of him, he is sound technically, and he is fluid with his movements. Off the ice, Collins is a driving force behind the program, serving as the President of the club.

“Him being President speaks volumes about his dedication to Richmond hockey, and he makes the team operate behind the scenes,” AC John Chukayne said about Collins.

“The team listens when he speaks, he’s a good room presence, and when you add everything together on and off ice, he is what you need in a leader.”       

Said Collins: “It’s a great honor and something that I’ve been working toward since my freshman year here. This program has a lot of history behind it, and there is a lot of responsibility that comes with the letter.”

Blakley is an all-situations defender who plays with a physical edge and contributes offensively. Smart on the breakout and nasty in front of his net and in the corners, Blakley sees the most minutes amongst the team’s blueliners and leads through word and action both on and off the ice.

“I’m honored that I’ve been given this position of leadership on the team,” explained Blakley, “and there are lots of leaders on the team not wearing letters that are equally deserving.”

“Sam epitomizes leadership,” AC David VanDeveer says, “due to his willingness to work hard on and off the ice.”

“He’s a calming presence, and he has the respect of his teammates because of how he leads by example. The love he has for his team and for the game allow his passion to shine through,” added VanDeveer.