The Edmonton Oilers are going without a captain to start the season, deciding on four alternates instead.
On Wednesday, prior to departing for their season opener, on the road, Thursday against the St. Louis Blues, Oilers general manager Peter Chiarelli, head coach Todd McLellan and former captain Andrew Ference stood together to make the announcement.
Ference will be one of the Oilers four alternates to start the season, joined by Taylor Hall, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Matt Hendricks.
When he returns from a shoulder injury, Jordan Eberle will join the alternates group, taking over form Hendricks.
This is the first time the Oilers have gone into a season without a captain.