Leading by example goes a long way with veterans like Tony DeAngelo, who said Horvat’s ability to play in all situations gives him a well-rounded perspective as a leader. Horvat led the Islanders with 31 goals last season, averaged 3:34 PP TOI/GP and 1:58 SH TOI/GP and took the most face-offs (1,226) on the team, winning 56.3%.
“It all starts with what you do on the ice,” DeAngelo said. “When you look at Jordan Staal in Carolina, when it’s a big time in the game, who is on the ice? Jordan Staal. Bo’s a lot like that too. We have a penalty kill. We have a faceoff late. We have a power play, penalty kill six-on-five, and he just does things right from practice all the way on through that.”
Horvat said he’s grown a lot as a player and a person since his captaincy in Vancouver, part of which he credits to becoming a parent of three children. The 31-year-old said getting to lead a second organization meant a little more now that his kids can enjoy it with him.
“It’s kind of been awesome having kids young, they’re going to remember me playing and remember a lot of it especially as they get older,” Horvat said. “Obviously having a letter on your jersey and being a captain of an NHL team is very special, but to share with my family and my kids is going to be even that much more special.”
Horvat said he doesn’t plan on changing his leadership or playing style as a result of receiving the captaincy. He’s not the most vocal voice in the locker room, but tries to lead by example. He’ll put that into practice when Training Camp opens this week.
“Trying to lead by example on and off the ice is my biggest thing, and just continuing to keep pushing forward and getting better,” Horvat said. “Any way I can help the team is what I’m trying to do.”