THESE IS THE BEST NEWS WE COULD HOPE FOR: Dallas star National Hockey League NHL are Electrified as head coach Glen Gulutzan makes Announcements of making star centre Angus MacDonell the new….see more

 a powerful and emotional announcement earlier today, head coach Glen Gulutzan revealed that rising star centre Angus MacDonell will serve as the team’s new alternate captain heading into the 2025–26 NHL season.

The declaration was made during the team’s media day event at American Airlines Center, sending a wave of excitement through the fan base and solidifying what many analysts have long speculated: Angus MacDonell is not only the future of the Dallas Stars—he’s ready to lead now.

> “This is the best news we could hope for,” said Gulutzan. “Angus embodies everything this franchise stands for—grit, speed, humility, and an unshakable will to win. We’re proud to name him one of our alternate captains. He’s earned it.”

The Rise of a New Leader

For those following MacDonell’s meteoric rise, this moment has been a long time coming. Drafted 56th overall by the Dallas Stars in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, MacDonell has rapidly evolved from promising prospect to indispensable core player.

In the 2024–25 season, the 21-year-old tallied an impressive **57 points (24 goals, 33 assists)** in 78 games, showcasing elite two-way play, clutch scoring, and veteran-level composure in high-pressure situations. His breakout postseason run saw him net five goals and nine assists in just 11 playoff games before the Stars were narrowly eliminated in the second round by the Edmonton Oilers.

> “I just try to play the right way every night,” MacDonell said at the press conference. “This honor means a lot. Wearing a letter is something every young hockey player dreams of. I’m humbled, and I won’t take it for granted.”

His teammates, fans, and coaches clearly agree.

### Why This Move Matters

While alternate captain roles are often rotated among veterans, Dallas’s decision to hand the “A” to such a young player signals a **changing of the guard** and a long-term vision centered around youthful leadership and character development.

With seasoned leaders like **Jamie Benn** and **Joe Pavelski** nearing the twilight of their careers, MacDonell is emerging as the next face of the franchise. His tireless work ethic, high hockey IQ, and emotional maturity have earned the respect of the locker room.

> “Angus leads by example,” said veteran defenseman Miro Heiskanen. “He’s the first guy on the ice and the last one off. He’s a great teammate and already one of the best communicators we have. He listens. He learns. He delivers.”

### Glen Gulutzan’s Strategic Vision

Glen Gulutzan, who returned to the Stars as head coach in 2024 after serving as an assistant coach in Edmonton and Calgary, has made it clear that leadership development is one of his highest priorities.

> “It’s not just about playing minutes. It’s about building trust, demanding excellence from yourself and your team, and understanding what it takes to win a Stanley Cup in today’s game,” Gulutzan said. “MacDonell is not just ready to compete—he’s ready to lead.”

Gulutzan also emphasized the importance of elevating young voices within the organization, ensuring that future leaders learn directly from veterans while forging their own identities.

> “This isn’t about replacing Jamie Benn or Joe Pavelski,” Gulutzan clarified. “It’s about building a bridge between them and the next generation. And Angus is that bridge.”

### Locker Room Reaction: “He’s Already One of Us”

The announcement sparked an immediate wave of support from players and alumni alike. Jamie Benn, who has worn the captain’s “C” since 2013, expressed his full endorsement of the decision.

> “Angus deserves it. He’s earned it the right way—by grinding, not complaining, and putting the team first. I’ve got nothing but respect for the kid.”

Goaltender Jake Oettinger, who shares a strong off-ice friendship with MacDonell, also weighed in.

> “This is the kind of guy you want next to you when the game’s on the line. He’s calm. He’s confident. He’s clutch. I couldn’t be happier for him.”

### Fans and Analysts React

Dallas Stars fans flooded social media with praise for the decision. The hashtag **#MacDonellWithTheA** began trending regionally within an hour of the announcement.

Longtime Stars supporter Michelle Torres tweeted:

> “We’ve got our next great one. MacDonell is a beast. The future is now. Let’s goooo! 💚⭐️ #GoStars #AngusA”

Even national hockey analysts applauded the move, including TSN’s Craig Button:

> “Brilliant leadership decision by the Dallas Stars. Angus MacDonell has the heart of a warrior and the brain of a 10-year vet. He’s the exact type of player you want setting the tone in today’s NHL.”

### More Than Just a Letter

Though alternate captaincy comes with public recognition and leadership expectations, for MacDonell, the title means more than just a letter stitched to his sweater.

> “It’s about holding myself to an even higher standard,” he said. “My job now isn’t just to perform—it’s to push my teammates, to be accountable, and to never let up. I want to be someone the young guys can talk to and the veterans can trust.”

He also mentioned reaching out to former Stars captains and mentors for advice, including Brenden Morrow and Mike Modano.

> “Those guys built the culture here. If I can even carry a fraction of what they brought to the ice and to this city, I’ll be doing something right.”

### A New Chapter Begins

With the Stars heading into training camp next month, the buzz surrounding the team has reached fever pitch. New prospects are arriving. Veterans are hungry for another run. And now, with Angus MacDonell stepping into a leadership role, the blueprint for the next generation of Dallas Stars hockey is beginning to crystallize.

> “We want to win, plain and simple,” said Gulutzan. “And to do that, we need people who care about the crest on the front of the jersey more than the name on the back. Angus gets that. He lives that.”

As Dallas looks to push deeper into the playoffs and reclaim its place among the NHL’s elite, the announcement of MacDonell’s alternate captaincy represents more than a team strategy—it’s a symbol of trust, transformation, and the beginning of something potentially very special.

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