What Do the A and C Mean on Hockey Jerseys: Captain and Alternate Patch Guide

The C on a hockey jersey marks the team captain and the A marks an alternate captain; both are small patches sewn on the chest, usually the left side.

If you are ordering team jerseys or simply following the game, the letters C and A on a hockey jersey tell you who the team’s leaders are. They matter in games because only designated captains and alternates may speak to officials about rulings, and they matter in ordering because the patches affect placement, cost and artwork approval. Here is how they work and how to order them correctly.

What the C and A stand for

The C stands for captain. The A stands for alternate captain. Teams typically name one captain and two alternates, though the exact number depends on league rules and the level of play.

Captains and alternates act as the team’s on-ice representatives. When a rules question arises during a game, officials normally speak with the player wearing the C or an A rather than the whole bench. Rules vary between USA Hockey, Hockey Canada, the IIHF and university or junior leagues, so always check your own competition’s rulebook.

Where the patches go on the jersey

The C or A is usually positioned on the upper left chest, in line with the crest area or just above it, though some teams use the opposite side or place the letter on the front shoulder. Consistency across the team looks more professional than placing each patch differently.

Patch size matters too. A letter that is too small is hard to see from the officials’ position, and one that is too large crowds the crest. Most teams use a letter roughly 3 to 4 inches tall on adult jerseys, scaled down for youth sizes.

Patch options when you order custom jerseys

• Sewn tackle twill patches: classic stitched look that lasts for years of wear and wash.
• Embroidered patches: good for detailed letter styles and club colours.
• Sublimated letters: printed into the jersey and cannot be removed, which suits fixed rosters.
• Removable patches (hook and loop or sew-on): useful when captains rotate through the season.

If your captains change during the season, avoid permanent printing and order removable or sew-on patches. Order a few extra C and A patches so you are never short mid-season.

How to specify C and A patches on your order

Send your roster with a column for the patch: C, A or none. Our free blank hockey roster CSV includes a captain patch column so there is no confusion on spelling, number or patch placement.

Confirm the patch colour against your jersey colours on the 3D mockup before bulk production. A white C on a white home jersey disappears, so mockup review is where these problems are caught.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common issues are ordering patches in the wrong size for youth jerseys, forgetting the alternates, and sublimating a C onto a jersey whose captain changes in January. Review the custom ice hockey uniform options and confirm patch type, size and number with your supplier before approving production.

How captains are chosen and why it matters for uniforms

Captains are typically chosen by the coach or elected by players. Because rosters change and captains rotate in some leagues, uniform planning should allow for flexibility. Ordering a few spare patches means a new captain can be identified without reordering the jersey.

In some youth programs, leadership roles rotate each game to give more players experience. For those teams, removable patches are the practical choice, and a sublimated C would be a mistake.

Patch rules differ by league

Rulebooks from governing bodies such as USA Hockey, Hockey Canada and the IIHF describe how many captains and alternates are permitted on the ice and how the letters should appear. Some leagues require the letter to be a minimum size and a contrasting colour. Always check your league’s rules before approving artwork so the jerseys are accepted at the first game.

Design tips for readable patches

• Use a colour that contrasts clearly with the jersey base.
• Add a thin outline if the letter sits on a busy pattern.
• Keep the font simple and bold; decorative fonts become unreadable at distance.
• Place the letter consistently across all home and away jerseys.

Review the mockup at a small size, as officials see it from across the ice. Our hockey jersey customization options guide compares stitched, embroidered and printed approaches.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the A mean on a hockey jersey?

The A stands for alternate captain, a player who steps in for the captain and shares leadership duties.

How many captains and alternates can a team have?

Commonly one captain and up to two alternates, but league rules vary, so check the rulebook for your competition.

Can I add captain patches to a custom hockey jersey order?

Yes. Patches can be sewn, embroidered or sublimated, and are specified with the roster.

What size should the C patch be?

Adult jerseys commonly use a letter of roughly 3 to 4 inches, scaled down for youth jerseys. Confirm on the mockup.

Get a Factory Quote for Your Team or Brand

Athlein Sports manufactures custom hockey jerseys, goalie cuts, socks and team bags in Sialkot, Pakistan, with a 20-piece starting minimum and free digital mockups. Explore custom ice hockey uniforms, browse custom ice hockey bags, or request an itemised quote. You can also email info@athleinsports.com or message us on WhatsApp.