First year Johnson & Wales University men's ice hockey head coach James LaCour has announced that Stefan Brucato and Connor Bates will be the 2016-17 season captains. Jonathan Ruiz will serve as assistant captain.

Brucato (Lake Elsinore, Calif.), a senior forward, was second on the team with year with 11 assists and totaled 16 points. During his sophomore year, he played in 27 games and ranked fourth on the team with 17 points. He put up seven goals and 22 assists as a freshman. Before attending Johnson & Wales, Brucato played for Idaho Jr. Steelheads of the Western States Hockey League.

His classmate Bates (Laconia, NH.) had a breakout season last year, earning Second-Team All-ECAC Northeast honors. He led the conference with 17 goals and ranked sixth with 23 points. After playing his freshman year at the University of New England, he skated in 21 games as a sophomore and scored 12 points. Bates played for the Northern Cyclones of the EHL.

Even though he's a sophomore, Ruiz (Williamstown, NJ) had a big impact on the Wildcats last season. He earned a spot on the ECAC Northeast All-Rookie team after ranking the league's top 20 with 19 points.  Twice he was named ECAC Northeast Rookie of the Week. Prior to joining the Wildcats, Ruiz played for the Philadelphia Jr. Flyers.

The Wildcats are excited for their season to begin with a home opener against Worcester State on Friday, October 28th at 5:55 pm.