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What does it take to be an NHL captain?

  • May 23, 2019
  • Canadiana
  • 6 MINUTES READ

As captain of any National Hockey League® team, you’re expected to lead by example both on and off the ice. But if you’re the captain of an Original Six™ team — the oldest and most iconic franchises in the league — you’re likely under even greater pressure to exemplify the very best in teamwork, leadership and integrity. In its 2019 pure silver six-coin set, the Royal Canadian Mint pays tribute to some legendary Canadian-born players who have filled that high-profile position.

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As captain of any National Hockey League® team, you’re expected to lead by example both on and off the ice. But if you’re the captain of an Original Six™ team — the oldest and most iconic franchises in the league — you’re likely under even greater pressure to exemplify the very best in teamwork, leadership and integrity. In its 2019 pure silver six-coin set, the Royal Canadian Mint pays tribute to some legendary Canadian-born players who have filled that high-profile position.

Cournoyer sits sixth on the Canadiens’ all-time scoring list. But when he looks back on how it all started — when he received his first pair of skates from his grandfather at age seven — he never would have expected to see himself on a coin by the Mint.

Yvan Cournoyer

“In those days, the captain was named by the players,” he says. “So it was something very special, to the have the players believe in you to lead the team to success. It made you appreciate it. It also made you work hard to do the right things.”

Yvan Cournoyer
With the third-most points in Chicago Blackhawks history, Denis Savard electrified fans with his speed, offensive flair and innovative “spin-o-rama” move. Yet despite the accolades, he can’t believe he’s sharing a set coins with players like Cournoyer. With the third-most points in Chicago Blackhawks history, Denis Savard electrified fans with his speed, offensive flair and innovative “spin-o-rama” move. Yet despite the accolades, he can’t believe he’s sharing a set coins with players like Cournoyer.