The letter “A” on a hockey jersey means “Alternate Captain.” It shows that the player is one of the team’s official leaders on the ice, second only to the captain.
In everyday talk, fans and announcers simply say, “He’s wearing the A,” or “That’s the alternate talking to the ref.” Coaches pick two or three players to wear the A, and it rotates if the team decides to change who speaks for the room. When the captain isn’t on the ice, the alternate takes over—explaining calls, asking for reviews, or calming teammates.
Meaning & Usage Examples
• “McDavid has the C, but Draisaitl wears the A tonight.”
• “She got the A after the trade deadline and handled all the media questions.”
Context / Common Use
Teams can have up to two alternates per game. The letter is sewn onto the upper left chest of the jersey and is often the same color as the captain’s “C.” Fans notice it right away because it marks who’s allowed to discuss rule issues with the referees.
Can a team have more than one player with an A?
Yes—up to two players can wear the A in any single game, and the team can rotate different players throughout the season.
Is the A the same as the C?
No. The C is the main captain; the A is for alternates who step in when the captain is off the ice or absent.
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