Bulldogs name new captain and assistant captains for 2024-25 season

LEADERS OF THE PACK: Bradford Bulldogs' new captain, Keiron Furlong (Centre), plus assistant captains Kacper Andrukianiec (left) and Ben Darbyshire. 

GIVEN the departure of key players at the end of the 2023-24 season, one big decision facing head coach Andy Brown would be who to name as the Bulldogs’ new leaders.

All-time record appearance maker Dean Boothroyd has been the team’s long-serving captain, while Josh Stockton was one of two assistants last season, along with young forward Jack Wooding.

Dean and Josh decided to hang up their skates after serving the club so well and for so long, joined by fellow veteran Connor Medley. Jack, after an injury ruined by serious injury is now devoting all his energies into his off-ice engineering career, meaning there was an opportunity for new faces to step forward and be named as the captain and new assistants.

Taking into account their performances and commitment over recent seasons, as well as their attitude and determination in pre-season, Andy has now named his team’s leadership group for the 2024-25 NIHL North Two season which gets underway this Sunday at 2023-24 play-off winners, Billingham Buccaneers.

Defenceman Kieron Furlong - now entering his third season with the club - is the new captain and he will supported by forward Kacper Andrukianiec - a product of the club’s junior system - and fellow blue liner, Ben Darbyshire, one of the team’s more experienced players and coming into his fourth season at The Pound.

"With Dean Boothroyd, Josh Stockton and Connor Medley all hanging up their skates, I’ve had to name a brand new leadership team for the seniors, something I’ve never had to do before,” said Andy.

"They leave a huge hole and will be difficult to replace but I’m confident we have the right guys to take the team forward.

"Our new captain will be Keiron. He’s still young but plays with a mature head. He’s been with the team for several years now so knows what’s needed.. He’s a strong leader both on the ice and in the dressing room and has the respect of the players and coaches.

"Ben and Kacper will assist Keiron. They too have been with the team for a few seasons now so know what will be required of them."