COLORADO SPRINGS, Feb. 1 (UPI) -- Detroit Red Wings defenseman Chris Chelios Wednesday was named captain of the United States hockey team for the 2006 Olympic Winter Games at Turin.
At 44, he will be the oldest American ever to compete in the Winter Games and is one of only two American players to be named to four Olympic squads, joining Keith Tkachuk of St. Louis.
"We feel that Chris is not only a tremendous player, but also a terrific leader," Don Waddell, general manager of the U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team, said in a statement. "For us to have success, Chris is going to have to be a big part of it."
Chelios, a five-time all-star, served as captain for the 1998 and 2002 teams. In 2002, the U.S. squad won the silver medal.
He has won the Norris Memorial Trophy three times as the NHL's best defenseman and played on two Stanley Cup champion teams. Chelios has scored 180 goals and 739 assists.
