Team Sweden has its captain for the upcoming World Cup of Hockey 2016.
Henrik Zetterberg, captain of the Detroit Red Wings, will wear the C when the tournament gets under way on Sept. 17.
“It’s a very special thing to be the captain for this team,” Zetterberg said at a Team Sweden event in Stockholm. “I’m honoured. It’s something I’ll always remember.”
The news isn’t surprising, as the veteran winger also served as captain of Team Sweden during the Sochi 2014 Olympic Games. He was only able to play one game, however, due to a back injury.
This will be the 36-year-old’s 13th international competition and second time playing in the World Cup. He was part of Team Sweden’s World Cup entry in 2004—the last time the tournament was held.
“There really is no other candidate than Zetterberg,” said Zetterberg’s Team Sweden and Red Wings teammate Nicklas Kronwall. “I know him from Detroit, and there’s no better. He’s the obvious choice.”
Zetterberg has been captain of the Red Wings since defenceman Nicklas Lidstrom retired in 2012.