The letter ‘A’ sewn on a hockey jersey stands for “Alternate Captain.” It shows that the player wearing it is one of the team’s official leaders, second only to the captain, and is allowed to speak with referees during games.
In everyday talk, fans and broadcasters simply say, “He’s got the A on his chest,” when pointing out the alternate captains. Players often mention “wearing the A” as a sign of respect from teammates, and younger guys might joke they’re “chasing the A” when trying to earn that letter next season.
Meaning & Usage Examples
• “McDavid gave the A to Draisaitl” = McDavid chose Draisaitl as an alternate captain.
• “She’s got the A tonight” = She’s serving as one of the two alternate captains for that specific game.
Context / Common Use
Each NHL team can name up to two alternate captains per game. The coach rotates the letter if several veterans share leadership duties. On TV graphics you’ll see a small “A” next to the player’s name, and in fantasy hockey apps the same symbol flags leadership roles for tie-breakers.
Can a team have more than two players with an A during the season?
Yes. Teams often rotate the A among several veterans throughout the year, but only two wear it in any single game.
Does the A give any special game rules?
The only extra right is that an alternate captain can discuss calls with the referee when the official captain isn’t on the ice.
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