Hockey Canada named Eric Staal as captain of Team Canada for the 2022 Olympic Winter Games, with David Desharnais and Maxim Noreau serving as assistants.
It's only fitting that Eric Staal will wear a red sweater bearing a 'C' once again.
Hockey Canada announced on Tuesday that Staal will indeed captain Team Canada at the upcoming 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, with fellow veterans David Desharnais and Maxim Noreau being named as assistants.
“The opportunity to represent Canada at the Olympics is very special, and being named captain is an honour and something I take a lot of pride in,” said Staal following the announcement.
“David and Maxim are great leaders and players, and they are deserving of this recognition. Our entire team is excited for the opportunity to be a part of Team Canada, and we look forward to competing for a gold medal in Beijing.”
Staal certainly has the experience to take on this crucial leadership role, having served as captain of the Carolina Hurricanes for parts of seven seasons from 2010 until his eventual departure to the New York Rangers via trade in 2016. This won't be his first Olympic rodeo, either, as Staal was a member of Team Canada when they captured gold on home soil in 2010.
While Desharnais has never been a captain at the NHL level, he did don the 'C' in his junior days, doing so for the Chicoutimi Saugeenes of the QMJHL for four seasons and racking up 374 points in just 262 games.
Noreau, on the other hand, is one of the longest-tenured international veterans on Canada's roster, having captured a bronze medal at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, and representing Canada at the Spengler Cup from 2017-2019.
With the opening ceremony just days away, it looks as if Canada's leadership core is in good hands.