FRESNO, CA - With their season opener against Northern Arizona coming up quickly, the Bulldogs announced their choices for Captain late Saturday night. The decision, which is voted on by the team, brings back two returning captains and makes it official for the third member, who stepped up to fulfill the role at the end of last season.

Returning Captain Phillip Matson will continue to lead the Bulldogs this season and says that even though it helps that the core of the group remains the same, he will continue to offer a helping hand to both new and old teammates as they progress this season.

“Help the new guys, like learning a new playbook, learning new things, helping guide the way if they have questions,” said Matson, “just making myself available even to returning players if they have any questions.”

Assistant Captain Tyler Esswein will be returning for his fourth year on the team, and third as a captain. To be voted on means a great deal to Esswein and he looks forward to working with the new players.

“It means they like you, means they trust you, and that’s always a good feeling,” said Esswein. “We have a lot of new guys this year; the best part is kind of taking them under your wing before the game starts. The first game of the year, they get pretty crazy there, so you kind of calm them down, it’s just a game in the end, have some fun.”

Assistant Captain Travis Bybee will be rounding out the top trip, and even though this is his first official season as assistant, he finished out the last month of the 2008-2009 season in that role.

All three leaders will be continuing to look for ways to help their teammates succeed on and off the ice, as well as improve their chances for playoff success.