ECHL: Who Should Be The Next Captain of the Adirondack Thunder?

The Adirondack Thunder, for the third time in four years, will need a new captain after Darian Skeoch announced his retirement. The last captains for the Thunder, Patrick Grasso and Darian Skeoch, were first-time captains, and with Adirondack adding some more experience, there’s a good chance the newest Thunder captain will have previously worn the “C”. There is also the very small chance that Adirondack does what Maine did last year and starts the season without a captain, but I find that highly unlikely.

Justin Taylor

There’s no doubt that one of the key attributes to being a key player is experience. Taylor undoubtedly has that with 15 years of ECHL experience under his belt, including a season as an assistant captain and a year as captain of the Kalamazoo Wings. He was also captain of the London Knights during the 2021-22 season. However, one thing to factor into this decision is that Taylor is 36 years old. Over the last few seasons, the Thunder haven’t had a captain that’s lasted more than two years, so they may want something more permanent. The only player in Thunder history who served as the team’s captain for more than two years was James Henry, who held the role from 2018 to 2020.

Jacob Graves

There’s no doubt that Jacob Graves is easily one of the leading candidates to be named as the Thunder captain. Graves, 30, spent last year as the captain of the South Carolina Stingrays, and the year prior to that, he captained the Atlanta Gladiators before being dealt to the Toledo Walleye. He has ten years of ECHL experience, along with another five years of playoff experience under his belt. In his only year with the Stingrays, South Carolina would win the ECHL’s Inclusive Spirit Award.

It’s easy to see why a guy like Graves would be a good fit for the captaincy. He has prior experience and seems to do well in the community. He also has no issues dropping the gloves when necessary. Graves also has 33 games of Kelly Cup Experience under his belt and will be able to handle the big stage.

Kishaun Gervais

Since joining the Thunder last season, Gervais has been a fan-favorite in Adirondack, and his play earned him an extension for the 2025-26 season. The 23-year-old forward may not have much experience, but there’s no doubt he should have a letter on his chest next season. Last season, Gervais not only made a name for himself on the ice but also did so off the ice at both of the team’s Celebrity Bartending Nights.

If Adirondack decides to name a captain without previous experience, there’s no doubt his name needs to be thrown in the ring. He is one of the younger candidates for captain, but is also someone who can solidify his spot in Adirondack for the foreseeable future.

Honorable Mention/Decision

Matt Salhany

Another name you could throw in the mix is Matt Salhany, who’s returning to Adirondack after spending time with the team from 2018-2020. Salhany has 120 games under his belt with the Thunder and 159 career ECHL games to his name. However, I think Adirondack will want someone who’s been in the ECHL for the last couple of years. I wouldn’t rule out that come opening night, Salhany is wearing an “A” on his chest.

Realistically, I think it will come down to Jacob Graves or Justin Taylor for captain; however, I think all three players mentioned will be wearing a letter for us heading into this season.