Drew Bagnall will wear the 'C' for the Amerks

• Drew Bagnall attitude and approach made him an ideal choice to be Amerks captain
• The veteran defenseman said it's his job to set the "battle level" for the team every night
• Matt Ellis and Phil Varone will be the alternate captains

And the captain's "C" goes to ...

Drew Bagnall.

Rochester Americans coach Chadd Cassidy announced to his team on the ice following practice on Wednesday morning that Bagnall would be the captain and Matt Ellis and Phil Varone the alternates.

While Bagnall has always been known for his leadership and character, the choice was perhaps a mild surprise. Ellis had been the captain from the spring of 2013 until his recall following the Dec. 13 Frozen Frontier outdoor game.

But the possibility of another recall of Ellis, 33, by the parent Buffalo Sabres factored into the decision.

"Between Bagnall and Ellis you've got two great captains and you couldn't go wrong either way," Cassidy said. "The reality of the situation is, from a coaching staff perspective, the odds of Drew Bagnall being here all year were probably greater than Matt Ellis, based on past history."

Bagnall, 30, was an alternate last season before Ellis' promotion. He was then given the "C" in early January when it was apparent Ellis was staying in Buffalo.

An eight-year veteran, he is vocal on the ice and on the bench, and his game is based on hard work, snarl and disdain for losing.

Before joining the Sabres organization for the 2013-14 season, he was a captain of the American Hockey League's Houston Aeros. He said he will surely not be the only leader on the Amerks.

"I think that it could have been Ellie or I, easily," he said. "He's going to be a big piece of the puzzle on this team this year and I'm going to lean on him heavily. In order for me to be successful in doing it, I need good followers and I hope we have that here."

Bagnall has never been afraid to speak his mind when he's addressing teammates, and his play backs up his words.

"My job's to try to help develop guys as best I can and hold guys accountable," Bagnall said. "I have to set the battle level every night and make sure I don't give any guys on the opposition a night off."

Varone, 23, is starting his fourth season and assumed more of a leadership role last season.

"He kind of bridges that gap between the older players and the coaching staff, and the younger players," Cassidy said. "I think Phil has grown a lot as a person and as a player since he's been here. We think this is a big step for him in his development as a player."

The Amerks open their 59th AHL season at 7:05 p.m. Friday against the Adirondack Flames.

KEVINO@DemocratandChronicle.com

Twitter.com/@kevinoDandC