Portland Winterhawks General Manager & Head Coach Mike Johnston has announced that defenseman Troy Rutkowski has been named team captain.

Rutkowski, 20, is entering his fifth season with the team, and his 279 games played ties him for seventh in franchise history. He has the chance to become the all-time leader in that category, which is currently held by Kevin Haupt, who played 326 games from 1994-1999.

He’s also tied with former teammate Joe Morrow for the most playoff games played in franchise history with 56. Rutkowski has played all 187 of the team’s regular season and playoff games over the last two seasons, and missed just one regular season game in 2009-10. Rutkowski also ranks 10th all-time among Winterhawks defensemen with 150 career points.

Although Rutkowski wasn’t selected in the WHL Bantam Draft, he made the Winterhawks as a 16-year-old in 2008.

“As a player who wasn’t selected in the WHL Bantam Draft, to now having a lengthy WHL career and being named team captain, Troy is a true success story,” said Johnston. “He has grown into a leadership role as his career has progressed, and is a natural choice for captain as he enters his final WHL season.”

“I’m humbled to be named team captain, and I’m looking forward to trying to lead the Winterhawks to a WHL championship this season,” said Rutkowski.

He becomes the 37th captain in team history, joining such players as Braydon Coburn, Adam Deadmarsh, Paul Gaustad, Brenden Morrow and Brent Peterson. He takes over the captain’s position from William Wrenn, who has graduated from the league.

In addition to Rutkowski serving as captain, the Winterhawks will have three assistant captains this season: Taylor Peters, Ty Rattie and Tyler Wotherspoon.

Season tickets and 20-, 12- and 6-game ticket packages for the 2012-13 season are on sale now. Visit winterhawks.com or call 503-236-HAWK to reserve the best seat locations.