Kasen Claymore is what every coach desires in a captain.

The senior is hard working, yet humble. He is the first to volunteer and the last to complain. He stays calm in times of adversity and celebrates the accomplishments of others.

Claymore is one of 13 seniors on this year’s Aberdeen Cougars hockey squad.

“It means a lot knowing that my team wanted me to lead them,” said Claymore, who provides leadership along with assistant captains Mason Carrels and Jacob Grau. “It’s a lot of responsibility, but I think we’re handling it well so far.”

While Claymore wears the captain’s ‘C’ on his jersey, his humility is revealed when he said, “Anyone can lead, no matter if they have a letter on their jersey or not.”

However, it is Claymore’s traits that speak loud and clear even when he does not.

“Kasen is a calm leader that leads by example with a positive attitude and a blue collar work ethic in practices and games,” said Cougars coach Jeremey Backous. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen him visibly frustrated during a game and when things aren’t going well that’s a good trait. He supports and encourages his teammates in a positive manner.”

Things have been going much better for the squad this season as the Bakers Dozen of seniors have been joined by a group of talented younger players.

The two have blended well so far, allowing the team to get off to a solid start.

“We just gelled together as a team way faster this year compared to other years. Everyone gets along with everyone. I think that goes a long way,” Claymore said. “It’s nice having those young kids in there that will go and contribute.”

Claymore knows a thing or two about young hockey players. He never misses an opportunity to help out those learning how to play the sport.

“He’s always one of the first to volunteer to help with the youth practices or make appearances before their Saturday morning games when I ask for volunteers,” Backous said.

Claymore recalls the times when older kids would show up to help him when he was younger and likes giving back to the sport.

He tries to encourage the players in the hopes that they will enjoy the game and stick with the program.

“When I was younger, kids were doing the same thing, so I might as well be one of those role models for those younger kids and help them stay in the game longer,” Claymore said. “Make sure they’re having fun when they come to the rink so that will make them want to come back every day and every year. I’m not a coach. I let the coaches do their job. I just go out there and have fun with the kids.”

Not that Claymore has ruled out the possibility of getting into coaching some day.

He hasn’t given much thought to the future, but wouldn’t mind having hockey be a part of it somehow.

“I just don’t really know what I want to do with my life yet,” he said, “I would love to stay around the game though as long as I can, whether as playing or coaching.”

Claymore has a new position this season, switching to the center spot. He said it requires him to help out the defense more, but still allows for scoring opportunities.

He said goals and assists are equal priorities and he gets enjoyment out of both.

Claymore does get a certain amount of satisfaction from scoring the first goal of a game, however, because of what it means for his teammates.

“It’s a good feeling when you score the first goal of the game against a good team and the boys get really happy and riled up, and ready to go from then on,” he said. “It doesn’t matter who’s scoring, if we get that first goal, we’re ready to go from there on.”

The Cougars will be attempting to qualify for their first varsity tourney since Claymore has been with the team.

“That would be a fun experience if we could make it,” Claymore said.

Regardless of what happens, Claymore has made many memories since he started playing hockey at the age of 4. He enjoys heading to the rink every opportunity he gets, even if it is for 5:30 a.m. practices.

“It’s tough for about like the first 10 minutes when you get out of bed, and like the first week we had it, but you get used to it,” Claymore said. “You’re going to the rink and playing hockey, doing something you love, so it’s not too bad.”

There is no denying Claymore’s love of the sport or the influence he has had on those around him.

It’s why having a ‘C’ on his uniform seems like the perfect fit.

“Kasen’s work ethic and demeanor in the locker room and around the rink sets the bar for what we expect for the Aberdeen Cougars Captain,” Backous said.