Hockey Canada has named Pittsburgh Penguins centre Sidney Crosby Team Canada’s captain for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.
Chicago Blackhawks forward Jonathan Toews and Montreal Canadiens defenceman Shea Weber were named alternate captains for the September tournament.
Crosby has served as Team Canada’s captain at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi and the 2015 IIHF World Championship, leading the team to gold medal finishes at both tournaments. The 29-year-old has captained the Penguins since the 2007-08 season. The Penguins have won two Stanley Cup championships during his tenure as captain.
“All 23 players on our roster are leaders on their respective club teams,” said Doug Armstrong, general manager for Team Canada. “These are three leaders who have demonstrated their ability to win at all levels, and we are looking to them to bring that experience, and their relentless pursuit of excellence, as we come together as a team.”
“Sid, Toews and Web are great men who have had unbelievable on-ice success,” said Mike Babcock, head coach of Team Canada at World Cup of Hockey 2016. “We look forward to them stepping up and leading our group as we work to achieve our ultimate goal at the World Cup.”
The two-week tournament, featuring more than 170 NHL players, begins September 17 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto.
