(WXYZ) — (WYXZ) -- Former Detroit Red Wings forward Justin Abdelkader has been named the captain of the 2021 U.S. Men's National Team, USA Hockey announced.
Abdelkader will lead Team USA in the IIHF Men's World Championship, which begins May 22 in Riga, Latvia.
“We’re excited to have Justin leading this team,” said Team USA head coach Jack Capuano. “This is a special group who’ve all made sacrifices to be here, who’ve capitalized on the opportunity to wear the USA crest, and we intend to play with that pride and effort every game. Justin, (alternate captain Matt Roy), and (alternate captain Colin Blackwell) will be our leaders on the ice, but we have a special brotherhood here in this locker room and we’re excited to see everyone play for each other and represent our country well.”
Abdelkader, a native of Muskegon, Michigan, spent his entire 11-year NHL career with Detroit.
