MANCHESTER, NH – The Manchester Monarchs, the primary affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings, have named defenseman Drew Bagnall the team’ Captain, and centers Marc-Andre Cliche and Gabe Gauthier as alternate captains for the 2009-10 season, Monarchs Head Coach Mark Morris announced today.

“Drew has emerged as our leader through his exceptional work habits and charismatic influence among his teammates,” explained Morris. “He leads by example. You can count on him to always put the team first. He’s a battler, willing to drop his gloves, block a shot or play with grit and tenacity against the opponent’s top lines as a shutdown defender.”

Bagnall, 26, follows in the footsteps of Dane Jackson (2001-03), Richard Seeley (2003-04 and 2005-06), Chris Schmidt (2004-05), Brendan Buckley (2006-07), Jon Klemm (2007-08), Gabe Gauthier (2007-08) and Marty Murray (2008-09) as Captain of the Monarchs.

“It’s an honor,” said Bagnall. “We have a team full of guys that could all be great leaders. To be named the Captain amongst this team and amongst the guys that I really admire and respect means a lot to me.

“I think I’m a mixture of both (lead by example and as a vocal guy),” explained Bagnall on his leadership methods. “I try to produce on the ice and try to do my job, make sure that I’m accountable and at the same time hold my teammates accountable. Sometimes something has to be said and sometimes it’s not always what people want to hear, but it’s a responsibility you take on as being Captain.”

This will be Bagnall’s second stint wearing the coveted “C” on his jersey as he Captained the St. Lawrence Saints during his senior year, the 2006-07 season. He led the Saints to the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference Hockey League’s (ECACHL) regular season title and helped advance them to the NCAA Northeast Regional semifinals. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound native of Oakbank, Manitoba has played in 149 Monarchs games since the 2007-08 season. Over the last three seasons, Bagnall has two goals and 20 assists for 22 points and 304 penalty minutes.

Bagnall’s linemate for the past three seasons, Monarchs defenseman Joe Piskula explains that, “Bagnall is going to continue doing the same thing he’s been doing. He’s a good leader. He stands up for guys out there. He’s always trying to make the other guys around him better and that’s why he is Captain.”

Monarchs center Oscar Moller also commented, “He really shows (his leadership) on the ice. He speaks up in the dressing room and he really inspires you to play better. He will get on you if you don’t play good which is a really good thing. I am real happy for him that he’s the Captain right now and I’m proud of him.”