Down to the Letter

• If you're designing or customizing a jersey, authenticity may be key. According to the official NHL rule book, Rule 6-6.1 says the team must place the letter C in a "conspicuous position on the front of his sweater." The most visible place that is favored among NHL teams is above the crest in the upper left corner of the jersey near the shoulder, although the right could certainly be considered if it's preferred.
  
  The letter must be approximately three inches in height, and must be of a contrasting color scheme. For instance, the Toronto Maple Leafs' team colors are blue and white. Their white away jersey features a blue "C," while the reverse is true for the blue home jersey. This allows referees and linesmen to identify the team captain, the primary team member invited to speak directly to the officials concerning explanations for goal disputes and penalties. Others can be invited at the discretion of the official.
  If the team has a three or four-color scheme, the C should be the lightest color on the darkest jersey and vice versa. This same rule applies to alternate captains--their jerseys are adorned with an "A"--who may take the captain's place.
  Only eligible players may be given the captaincy, excluding goalies. In the 2009 NHL season, goalie Roberto Luongo was unofficially given the Vancouver Canucks captaincy, although he must adhere to the rulebook concerning captain's actions on the ice.