Oh captain(s), my captain(s).

Glacier returned just three starters from the 2023 squad that earned the school's first Western AA divisional title and all three of them are wearing the armband for this season.  

Defending Western AA player of the year Liam Ells is one of the Wolfpack’s returners in the midfield, coming off a 13-goal, 13-assist campaign a year ago.  

All-conference defender Elias Holly also leads the Wolfpack in 2024 along with back line partner Bryce Remley. 

So despite the heavy turnover, Wolfpack coach Ryan Billiet knows his trio of captains will set a positive example for the rest of the team.

“We train internal leadership,” Billiet said. “I feel like they have been leading within for several years and just setting a standard for how they play and how they carry themselves on and off the field.” 

Billiet added that the trio created an inclusive atmosphere, not just for the new starters on varsity, but for the new wave of Glacier freshmen joining the squad. 

“It started in summer,” Billiet said. “Just creating a positive culture in our program with good values, good principles. They just really created a player-centric philosophy, and they lead by example.” 

Coming into camp the captains helped to create a positive atmosphere as the team battled for roster spots. 

“I think it is important to just make the environment fun, make sure it doesn't seem like we are coming out here to battle for positions, but more work together for a goal that we all share,” Ells said. 

“You don't have to wear a captain's band to be a leader on this team,” Billiet said. 

The early season provided many obstacles for the Wolfpack, both on and off the pitch. A lightning strike at practice left two players and one coach injured. 

“It gave us a sense that sometimes you take this game for granted,” Remley said. “I think that gave the whole team a sense to bring us even closer together, like a family.” 

On the field, Glacier sits at 4-2 on the season heading into their first match against crosstown rival Flathead. After a pair of losses to Missoula Hellgate and Helena Capital the Wolfpack have won three straight, including an 8-0 decision against Butte last time out. 

“I think it started out rough, had a bad start, but now we are doing better,” Holly said.  

“We are discovering ourselves as a team and players, but I think the best is yet to come,” Ells said. 

Remley notes that having some early losses has driven himself and teammates to give their all both in game and at practice. 

“This team has what it takes to put together a really good run this year,” Remley said. “We are keeping that end goal of just getting better in mind.” 

Glacier looks to keep their win streak going against crosstown rival Flathead Thursday at Legends Stadium. The girls game is at 6 p.m. and the boys game is at 8 p.m.