Corey Perry to captain Team Canada at hockey world championships

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia – Two-time Olympic gold medallist Corey Perry has been named the captain of the Canadian men’s hockey team at the IIHF World Championship.

Matt Duchene of the Colorado Avalanche and Ryan O’Reilly of the Buffalo Sabres will be the Anaheim forward’s assistants.

Duchene and O’Reilly helped Canada win gold at last year’s tournament.

Canada opens this year’s campaign Friday against the U.S.

Since 1931, Canada has won the world championship 19 times.

“This is an energetic young team, and these three players bring a mixture of youth and experience in their leadership role on the ice and in the dressing room,” Canadian head coach Bill Peters said. “Their resumes speak for themselves — they know what it takes to compete at the highest level, and have all been part of pulling together Team Canada successes during these short-term events.”