Leading Bulldogs ‘means the world’ to Dominic James – Duluth News Tribune

DULUTH — Minnesota Duluth coach Scott Sandelin was anxious on Monday to get the word out that center

Dominic James would be the Bulldogs captain

in 2024-25.

The coach used the word “excited” at least five times

when initially sharing the news with the News Tribune

that morning. That’s how many times James would use “excited” as well when the DNT caught up by phone with the 2022 sixth-round draft pick of the Chicago Blackhawks while he was back home in Michigan.

In a brief Q&A with the new senior captain, James spoke about returning to UMD to be a captain, where he is at in his recovery from

season-ending shoulder surgery

, the high turnover happening on the Bulldogs’ roster this offseason and faceoffs.

What does it mean to you to be captain of the Bulldogs next season?

James: It means the world to me to be captain at Duluth. Seeing the three great leaders I had before me in (Noah Cates), (Tanner Laderoute) and (Luke) Loheit, they helped me get here. All of those older guys did, for sure. To be a senior captain, it means the world to me. It’s the best thing in the world to me. I couldn’t be more happy and grateful that they’re honoring me with the ‘C’ on my jersey.

Where are you at in your recovery from shoulder surgery?

James: I’m 100%. I’m back at it. I think I’m stronger than I was before, so 100% healthy.

What did you learn about yourself and your team while recovering and rehabbing from shoulder surgery last season?

James: A lot.

Like coach said

, I had a really big voice in the room and shortly after my surgery — I was only home for about four days after my surgery — I wanted to get back. It meant a lot to get there and be around the team and make sure I was at every practice. I wanted to be around the guys not only for them, but for me.

The mental warfare with an injury like that

is pretty difficult, for a lot of people. To be around those guys, it made it virtually nonexistent for me. You see a ton from sitting up in the stands watching the game. It was definitely hard, but you learn tons.

There will be 12 new faces inside the Bulldogs locker room next season,

including 11 freshmen.

What will you need to focus on as the leader of this team?

James: We kind of dealt with that my sophomore year when we…