Eisenhower Eagles take honorary captain under their wings

The Eisenhower High School hockey team is already ranked as one of the best in Michigan for talent.

Now it is ranked among the state’s best for class and character.

The team recently named its captain for the current season. Instead of picking a team member, players selected a new friend who had made a habit of sitting down with them at lunch.

This year’s honorary captain is Ethan Williams, a special needs student at Eisenhower. For Ethan, the honor is a dream come true. Team members said it was an easy decision.

“He kept telling us how much he loved hockey, and so we talked to coach that we wanted him to be our captain,” said center Dylan Dempsey.

At 7-0, team members said they inspired by what he brings them on game day.

“He is incredibly enthusiastic,” said center Brandan Schmidt. “He is always happy in everything he does.”

Teacher Kristin Oprita said the appointment has impacted the entire school.

“I feel very blessed to be part of such a loving and caring community,” Oprita said. “Ethan and the varsity hockey players at Eisenhower are a group of very compassionate, kind and caring young men.”

For his Ethan’s mom, Julie Lagos, the friendships reduced any concerns about her son’s success in high school.

“He just decided he wanted these kids as friends and they took him on,” she said.

Williams said he saw a group of ‘cool guys” sitting together at lunch, introduced himself and asked to join them. Ever since he’s been a welcome fixture on the bench and in the locker room during home games.

He dresses in a sport jacket and tie on games days like his teammates. Williams played football at Eppler Junior High School, so he understands being part of a team and cheering for teammates.

The team members are also partnering with the school’s Life Centered Career Education program for a special lunch and game night on January 23.

Players and students from the program will have lunch together and travel to an Eisenhower hockey game at Suburban Ice Rink.

“These guys are thoughtful, hardworking young men,” said hockey coach Robert Hall. “These guys have big hearts.”