USA Hockey named Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane the captain for the United States men’s national team for the World Championship in May in Slovakia.
Kane, who was Team USA’s captain last year, was named the World Championship’s MVP after scoring a tournament-high 20 points. His point total set a new Team USA record for most points scored in a single World Championship tournament, and tied Dany Heatley for the most points in any World Championship in the last 40 years.
The 30-year-old Kane paced the Blackhawks with 44 goals, 66 assists and career-high 110 points.
“It’s great to have Patrick back and captaining our team again in the world championship,” Jeff Blashill, Team USA head coach and Red Wings head coach, said in a release. “He’s one of the most dynamic players in the game today and passionate about helping bring a gold medal home to our country.”
Kane could be joined by three Blackhawks teammates in wingers Alex DeBrincat and Brandon Saad and defenseman Connor Murphy. DeBrincat, Murphy and Kane all helped Team USA win bronze last year in Denmark. Saad sat out the tournament to focus on planning his summer wedding.
USA Hockey is expected to name its preliminary roster for this year’s World Championship later this week.
This year’s World Championship is May 10-26 in Bartislava and Kosice, Slovakia.