A new recruit will hit the ice this season as the Gael Men’s Hockey team add another player to their roster. Originally from Vancouver, Dharan Cap is a strong forward with top-tier goal-scoring ability, a great forecheck and backcheck, and an unrivalled physicality on the ice.
Cap’s love for hockey ignited at a young age. He cites his older brother Ethan as his biggest influence.
“He’s playing pro and I’ve looked up to him ever since I was little and following in his footsteps here,” said Cap in an interview with The Journal.
Cap made his way through the AAA circuit playing for the Vancouver North West Hawks, where he stood out for his defensive and physical capabilities.
Most recently, Cap played for the Soo Thunderbirds in Sault Ste. Marie for the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL). There, he won the NOJHL championship in the 2021-22 season, and was awarded the NOJHL’s Top Defensive Forward award.
Cap highlighted his devotion towards the physical aspect of the sport as one of his most valuable skills.
“I like creating turnovers and being a two-way player. I can lock it down in the [defensive] zone and make plays in the offensive zone.”
With each season playing for the Soo Thunderbirds, Cap improved his offensive game. Last season, Cap posted 30 goals and 38 assists, totaling 68 points in 55 games.
When asked about where he sees himself making an impact on the Gaels roster this upcoming season, Cap emphasized his ambition to win is built on commitment to his team.
“I know Coach Gibson was talking a lot about how they missed playoffs last year, and they want to make a run for it this year,” Cap said. “I’m hoping to bring my experience of a team first mentality and having a great connection with the guys and making it to the championship.”
Faced with the challenge of living away from home and without a billet family for the first time since his departure from junior hockey, Cap joked that cooking for himself will definitely be an adjustment. He sees opportunity for disaster living in a house with six other Gael’s hockey players.
“We’ve got a house of seven hockey guys, that’s gonna get messy. On top of engineering. It’ll be a good time though.”
While it will be Cap’s first time living in a student house, he has no plans to shy away from the opportunity to meet new people and connect with his future teammates.
“I’m hungry,” he said. “I’ve already lived far away from home and had to make new friends. And I already know a few guys on the team next year, a few people going to Queens, I don’t think the social aspect will be too difficult.”
Cap and the rest of the Gaels Men’s Hockey team will face off against the UOttawa GeeGees on Oct. 13 in their home opener.
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Dawson-Parniak Carla
Best of luck Dharan….loved you on the T-Birds in Sault Ste. Marie and know you will definitely be an asset to the Queen’s Hockey Team….go for the Gold this year🥅🏒🎉