With the B.C. Hockey League regular season just hours away, the Prince George Spruce Kings have named their captains for 2012-13.

Trevor Esau, a 20-year-old blueliner from Abbotsford who is entering his third season with the Kings, will wear the 'C' on his jersey. Lyndon Martell, Brad Ryan and Cam Lawson have been named as assistants. Martell, a 19-year-old forward, is a local minor hockey product and is entering his third tour of duty with the club.

Ryan, meanwhile, is an overage defenceman and Lawson is a 19-year-old forward.

"All four guys are hard working players that put the team first," said Kings head coach Dave Dupas. "Having quality leaders in the room and on the ice is very important to developing a successful team."

The Spruce Kings will start their 56-game regular schedule with a Saturday game at Chilliwack's Prospera Centre against the Merritt Centennials. On Sunday, the Kings will skate on the same ice against the Langley Rivermen.

The Kings' home-opener is Sept. 14, with the Trail Smoke Eaters as the opposition. On Sept. 15, the Spruce Kings will clash with the Penticton Vees, the defending Royal Bank Cup national champions.

Both games will start at 7 p.m.