Los Angeles Kings forward Ryan Smyth was named on Friday by Hockey Canada as the team's captain for the world hockey championship. Canada's first game is today against Italy.
Four players were named alternate captains, including defenceman Francois Beauchemin of the Toronto Maple Leafs; and forwards Steven Stamkos of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Ray Whitney of the Carolina Hurricanes and Corey Perry of the Anaheim Ducks.
It's the sixth time Smyth, a native of Banff has captained the Canadian team at the world showdown, having also worn the 'C' from 2001-05. It's the eighth time he's donned the Maple Leaf at the yearly championship.
The 34-year-old Smyth was an alternate captain at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City and the 2004 World Cup of Hockey. He has also represented Canada at the 2006 Olympics.
The 16-team tournament began on Friday. The gold-medal game is scheduled for May 23 in Cologne.
Source: Edmonton Journal
