Head Coach Paul Penchman and the Rapids Riverkings proudly announce their captains for the upcoming 2024-25 season. Defensemen Lucas Whitehead (Barrie, ON, CA) and Foward Bryce Cooper (Boise, ID) will wear the ‘C’, while Foward Hogan McNeish (Fuquay Varina, NC) and Foward Emil Obstfelder (Lørenskog, NOR) will serve as assistant captains, donning the ‘A’.
Whitehead, Cooper, and McNeish are all entering their third year with the Riverkings, while Obstfelder is stepping into his first season with both the Riverkings and the USPHL. Each player brings a unique dynamic to the team.
“My approach is to consider the various strengths and qualities each player contributes,” said Coach Penchman. “Derek and I believe in diverse leadership styles, and it’s beneficial to have a group that embodies different qualities. Lucas Whitehead, as our seasoned captain, commands respect from day one. Bryce Cooper has earned his leadership role through experience and maturity, instilling the team’s culture from the start. Our assistant captains, Hogan McNeish and Emil Obstfelder, have also garnered respect through their unique paths. Hogan leads quietly but powerfully with his work ethic, while Emil arrives with a high level of talent and a standout competitive spirit. Together, these four create an exceptional leadership team, and we’re grateful to have them guiding us back to the top of the division with aspirations of returning to the National Championships.”
Player Profiles:
Lucas Whitehead, 20 (4/14/2004), is set to skate in his third season with the Riverkings. Known for his reliable defensive play and high hockey IQ, Whitehead stated, “Being named captain of the Riverkings means the world to me. Wearing the ‘C’ on my jersey has been a goal of mine since I started playing for the Riverkings. Now being a third-year player within the Riverkings organization, I have had the privilege of learning from several incredible leaders, past and present throughout my time in Wisconsin Rapids. I am honored that I have been trusted with upholding the standards and culture established by past captains and having the opportunity to continue to grow the legacy of the Riverkings in Wisconsin Rapids and our surrounding communities as we strive for a national championship.”
Bryce Cooper, 20 (4/19/2004), will share the captaincy with Whitehead. Cooper has demonstrated remarkable growth over the past two years. “Being named captain within the Riverkings organization is a huge honor and also a great opportunity to continue the legacy the Riverkings have built here in the city of Wisconsin Rapids. Having the A or C on our jerseys doesn’t change who we are, but rather represents who we are in the rink and the community. I am immensely honored to be entrusted with the C on my jersey not just from Coach Paul and Coach Derick but also from the rest of the team. I couldn’t ask for a better way to age out than being named captain in an organization that I have spent most of my Jr career with.”
Hogan McNeish, 20 (8/19/2004), joins as an alternate captain in his third year. A quiet leader, McNeish makes his presence known through gritty play. “Being named an assistant captain of the Riverkings is a great honor and privilege that goes beyond just the title; it symbolizes a commitment to my teammates and the relationships we’ve built through countless hours of practice as well as through the wins and losses. I see it as an opportunity to build on a lasting legacy from the amazing captains and teammates who came before me—not just in terms of wins, but in how we support one another and inspire others in this great community. Having a letter on your jersey doesn’t change who you are as we have many guys on the team who are leaders beyond those who were chosen. It is an honor to have been selected to wear the A in my final junior season not only by the coaches but also by my teammates. I look forward to defending the reign and having a hand in the many wins we expect on our road back to nationals.”
Emil Obstfelder, 18 (2/8/2006), rounds out the leadership team as an alternate captain in his rookie season. Known for his offensive threat, Obstfelder is ready to make an impact. “Being an assistant captain in my first year is a true honor. I’m committed to upholding the high expectations set for us and leading by example. I’m grateful for the trust placed in me and will give my all for the team.”
The Riverkings will make their home debut in Rapids City on October 27-28 against Hudson, with puck drop scheduled for 7 PM CT on the 27th and 12 PM CT on the 28th.
For season tickets or more information, please email gm@riverkingshockey.com.