Crosby named Penguins' captain

PITTSBURGH, May 31 (UPI) -- Pittsburgh's Sydney Crosby has become the youngest team captain in NHL history.

The Penguins noted on their Web site Thursday that the 19-year-old Crosby will wear the symbolic "C" on his jersey next season. The letter was last worn by team chairman Mario Lemieux, who retired Jan. 26, 2006, because of a heart ailment.

"I'd just like to take this opportunity to thank the coaching staff, (general manager) Ray Shero, and Mario Lemieux," said Crosby, who is the league's youngest player to reach 100 points in a season and win the scoring title. "It's obviously a huge honor. It's a privilege to be captain. It's something I have always dreamed of."

The Penguins had four alternate captains last season -- Mark Recchi, Sergei Gonchar, John LeClair and Crosby.

At 19 years, 9 months of age, Crosby surpassed Tampa Bay's Vincent Lecavalier, at 19 years, 10 months when he was named Lightning captain in March 2000.