Three Greater Toronto Hockey League graduates will be donning the “C” in the National Hockey League this season as former Toronto Marlboros forwards Jason Spezza and John Tavares along with former North York Rangers defenseman Mark Giordano were named captain of their respective teams.

Spezza, the second overall pick in 2001, is entering his 11th season with the Ottawa Senators as the eighth captain in franchise history. The Toronto, ON native finished his final GTHL season (previously MTHL) with 114 points (53-61—114) in 54 games for the Marlboros and has tallied 621 points (228-393—621) in 611 career National Hockey League games.

Tavares will enter his fifth NHL season as the14th captain in New York Islanders franchise history. The Mississauga, ON native notched 158 points (91-67—158) in 72 games during his final season with the Marlboros. The first overall pick in the 2009 NHL Draft has led the Islanders in scoring in each of his first four seasons, recording 249 points (112-137—249) in 291 career games.

Giordano was signed by the Calgary Flames as an undrafted free agent in 2004 after two seasons with the Owen Sound Attack of the Ontario Hockey League. In seven seasons with the Flames, Giordano has amassed 150 points (41-109—150) and 366 penalty minutes in 385 career games. The Toronto, ON native is the 19th captain in franchise history.