Kevin Bieksa has been named captain of Team Canada for the world championships, marking his first time representing Canada internationally.
An alternate captain for the Vancouver Canucks, Bieksa, 32, is the fourth oldest player on the team.
Bieksa was chosen for his outgoing personality and his on-ice passion, said coach Dave Tippett.
Kyle Turris of the Ottawa Senators and Jason Chimera of the Washington Capitals are the other alternates.
With a good mix of players including Nathan MacKinnon (18), Sean Monahan (19), Jonathan Huberdeau (20), and Mark Scheifele (21), Bieksa is expected to bond the diverse group together.
"It's been pretty seamless so far. Everybody brings something to the table," Bieksa said after practice at Chizhovka-Arena. "The young guys are young and (add) a new perspective and energy and the older guys, there's some guys that have played in this tournament a few times and they know what to expect and you lean on them for some advice. It's a good mix."
