Milan Hejduk named Avalanche captain

THE CANADIAN PRESS

DENVER — The Colorado Avalanche announced Milan Hejduk as their team captain Monday.

The 35-year-old will have a captain’s ‘C’ on his jersey for the first time during Tuesday’s game in Pittsburgh.

"Milan is a player who leads by example both on and off the ice," said Avalanche head coach Joe Sacco in a statement. "He is a product of this organization and won a Stanley Cup with this franchise. He is well respected among his teammates and we feel he deserves this opportunity and responsibility."

The native of Usti-nad Labem, Czech Republic won a Stanley Cup with Colorado in 2001 and has spent his entire 13-year NHL career with the Avalanche.

Hejduk leads Colorado with seven goals and is tied for second on the club with 12 points in 17 games this season.

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