Pavel Datsyuk named captain of Russian Olympic team
Detroit Red Wings forward Pavel Datsyuk will wear the "C" for Russia at the upcoming Olympics in Sochi, according to R-Sport.
"We have a candidate for the team’s captain who was agreed upon unanimously by the coaching staff - it is Pavel Datsyuk,” coach Zinetula Bilyaletdinov said.
I am honored to be named a captain. Our team embraces the opportunity and responsibility of representing our country on the home ice
— Pavel Datsyuk (@Datsyuk13) January 15, 2014
Datsyuk will be making his fourth appearance for Russia at the Olympics, and, at age 35, potentially his last. He helped lead the team to a World Championship in 2012, and also won a bronze medal at the Olympics back in 2002.
Both Ilya Kovalchuk and Alex Ovechkin were considered prime candidates for the role; in 2010, former Pittsburgh Penguins forward Aleksey Morozov served as captain for the team that lost to Canada in the quarterfinals.
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