Dubuque, IA – The Dubuque Fighting Saints have named forward Melvin Ekman the 16th captain in their Tier-I history.

Ekman has skated in 106 games for the Fighting Saints over two seasons and finished last season fourth on the team with 23 goals and 48 points in 62 games. The Stockholm, Sweden native will lead the team in his third season playing for Dubuque.

"It's a huge honor to be named captain," said Ekman. "I'm really grateful for the trust from my teammates and coaches and it means a lot to have this opportunity. I'm excited for the season and everything we can accomplish together."

For the second-straight season (Teddy Merrill), Head Coach Evan Dixon has named his captain before the start of Training Camp. 

"Melvin has grown tremendously both on and off the ice over the last two seasons," said Dixon. "As he enters his third year in Dubuque, we know he is ready to take on the honor of wearing the 'C' and leading the process of building an environment we are proud of. His daily habits and competitiveness, combined with his ability to articulate situations, will serve him well as he takes on this new opportunity."

Dixon has also named defenseman Kris Richards as an assistant captain to serve with Ekman.

Richards played in 56 games for Dubuque last year, registering 22 points and a plus-10 rating. The Malone, NY native is Saints the top returning scoring defenseman from last season and played a crucial role in the team's top-five penalty kill.

"Richy is the ultimate example of someone who is willing to do whatever it takes to serve his teammates well," said Dixon. "Whether it's blocking a shot or loading the bus, he is someone who is pushing our culture forward through his actions everyday."

Ekman and Richards will be at the helm of a team with 10 returning players from a season ago as they look for a third-consecutive 40-win season. Richards gives credit to previous leaders for helping prepare him to be a leader this season.

"I will carry with me the lessons I learned from last year's leadership group," Richards said. "They set the bar really high and I only want to build on that. I am motivated by the responsibilities and committed to the sacrifices it takes to lead by example. I'll never expect anything from my teammates that I wouldn't expect from myself."

The Fighting Saints coaching staff plans to announce additional members of the leadership group at a later date.

Ekman and Richards will lead the Fighting Saints onto the ice to kick off the season on Sept. 17 at the Fall Classic in Chicago. Tickets for Fighting Saints home games are available now at dubuquefightingsaints.com.