The Cleveland Monsters started the 2019-20 season by naming Nathan Gerbe and Zac Dalpe co-captains marking the sixth time in franchise history that multiple players have shared the captaincy. The last time the Monsters split the honor, Bryan Lerg and Brian Sutherby shared the title during the 2012-13 season.

Gerbe will be wearing the ‘C’ on his sweater for the second year in a row after serving as the Monsters’ captain for the 2018-19 team, but his first year as Cleveland’s leader was anything but normal. After appearing in 41 games last season, Gerbe tore the labrum in his right hip and suffered bilateral hernias that ended his season and forced him to endure three surgeries.

Despite fans not seeing him on the ice for the remainder of the year, Gerbe acted as a true captain maintaining a strong presence around the dressing room.

“I tried to shift my focus with not being able to help out on the ice but being able to help in the locker room instead,” said Gerbe. “I watched all the games and tried to help each individual. If they were struggling, I tried to pick them back up and just let them know that I was there.”

The road to recovery from last season’s injuries taught the 12-year veteran patience which paid off when the 2019 preseason began and Gerbe was able to participate in training camp with the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Monsters’ NHL affiliate. 

The forward posted a multi-goal game on the road on September 25th against his former team, the Buffalo Sabres. While enjoying a successful night back in a place he used to call home was a positive experience for him, Gerbe says the game meant much more given his recent injury issues.

“It was good to get the confidence of playing again and skating the way I know I can skate,” explained Gerbe. “Getting some goals always helps your confidence but being able to skate without any pain has been really nice.”

Heading into the current season during which he is projected to play in his 200th career AHL game, Gerbe credited his experience as a source of pride at this stage

of his career and a major factor in his approach to the game and role as captain.

“It means a lot [to wear the ‘C’],” said Gerbe. “You want to be that guy that everyone looks upon, and you want to try to help younger guys reach their goals.”

Between his own experience and that of his fellow veterans, this year’s Monsters team is shaping up to be what he thinks is a well-rounded, deep team with a positive attitude and willingness to learn.

“It does not matter if you are on your 12th year like me or first year playing… we are always learning and trying new things,” said Gerbe. “For myself, I like to have an open mind. We are a deep group with a lot of good players. That can always change in this league with injuries and guys going up to the NHL but right now we have a really good team.”