Claude Giroux named captain for Canada at world hockey championship

Philadelphia-Flyers-center-Claude-Giroux-(28)-celebrates-his-goal-against-the-Detroit-Red-Wings.-(Paul-Sancya/AP)

Philadelphia Flyers center Claude Giroux (28) joined the Gatineau Olympiques after being passed over in the OHL draft. (Paul Sancya/AP)

Just a day before preliminary action begins, Canada has named forward Claude Giroux the captain for the IIHF World Championship.

The 29-year-old has captained the Philadelphia Flyers for the past five seasons and will look to lead Canada to its third consecutive gold medal.

Joining Giroux as part of the leadership group are alternate captains Matt Duchene, Ryan O’Reilly and Marc-Edouard Vlasic. All four players won gold for Canada at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.

Canada’s opening contest is against the Czech Republic on Friday, May 5.

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