“Keegan is a young man who does it right every day.”

The endorsement coming from Condors Head Coach Jay Woodcroft speaks volumes to the leadership provided from Keegan Lowe. The 25-year old was named the second captain in the team’s American Hockey League history last week.

A 3rd round draft pick in the 2011 NHL Draft, Lowe enters his second season in the Edmonton Oilers organization in 2018-19. It comes on the heels of re-signing a two-year NHL deal this offseason to remain in the blue and orange.

“It’s just excitement,” the Edmonton native said. “Being the second year here in Bakersfield, I’m familiar with everything from the surroundings to how the game days go and it’s comfortable.”

Lowe, along with alternate captains Brad Malone and Josh Currie, will be tasked with leading a group of young players, including a fair share of rookies up front.

“It’s a huge honor to be named captain,” he said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity I’ve been given here. I hope to lead the organization well and represent it well, but most importantly be a good representative of my teammates.”

The choice of Lowe as captain comes after Ryan Hamilton, who was the team’s captain for their first three seasons in the AHL, retired to become a professional scout in the San Jose Sharks’ organization. Woodcroft saw firsthand how Lowe carried himself in and around the rink as a benefit for his team moving forward.

“Keegan gives himself a chance to succeed every day,” he said. “He’s in top shape, he’s vocal in the locker room, and he’s someone we want young players coming into the organization to emulate.”

“He’s a strong player for us and we’re looking forward to working with him to lead this group.”

One of the major feathers in Lowe’s cap is his maturity and steady play on the blue line. It’s a defensive corps which is well balanced and tightknit early on in the season.

“You have kind of the more veteran guys in myself, Stants (Ryan Stanton), and Gravs (Kevin Gravel) who have been around,” he said. “Then you have the second year guys like Jonesy (Caleb Jones) and William Lagesson who are taking that next step in their careers. Coming from a d-man, I think we’re going to be solid as a group back there.”

Lowe’s leadership will manifest itself on and off the ice throughout the season as he and the team navigate through the difficult Pacific Division.