The Fergus Whalers have a piece to build around, as they named their first ever captain on Tuesday.

Jack McDonald comes to the new Fergus PJHL hockey team fresh off a 40 point season in 34 games in Exeter with the Hawks.

The Fergus native spoke to The Grand at 101 about his ability to lead a team, and stated he likes to keep the dressing room in good spirits while maintaining focus on a common goal.

"I really like to hang out with everyone and just kind of be like a sponge that anyone can come talk to, and bounce ideas off of everyone in the room," McDonald said.

"Kind of take a full team approach to it, make sure everyone is having a good time while pushing them at the same time," he added.

McDonald’s likes to get involved offensively, and his favourite player is Auston Matthews of the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs.

He says while he's typically looking to put up points, he likes to make sure he's responsible defensively as well.

For McDonald, being previously entrenched in the Fergus community and minor hockey system was a major pull. But the opportunity to hop on board with a brand new team was an exciting prospect too.

"Obviously the big thing is being from there but it's really cool to be a new team coming in and have the opportunity to be a part of that first team and kind of run with the new franchise and see where it can take us," McDonald explained.

McDonald says he is grateful and anxiously awaiting puck drop, which for the Whalers is Sept. 16 down Highway 6 in Mount Forest.

Listen to the CICW story below: