Chicago Blackhawks forward Kirby Dach will serve as Canada's captain for the 2021 world juniors, the team announced Friday.
Forward Dylan Cozens and defenseman Bowen Byram - both returnees from last year's gold medal-winning squad - were named alternates.
"These three players are all leaders in their own right who have the respect of their teammates," head coach Andre Tourigny said. "Kirby has set a standard for himself through his commitment and determination, which is a great example for the others on our team. He has a strong desire to represent his country.
"Bowen and Dylan are veterans who know what it takes to win at this tournament, and their voices will be important in our leadership group."
The Blackhawks selected Dach third overall in 2019 and loaned him to Canada with the status of the 2020-21 NHL campaign unclear. The 19-year-old posted 23 points in 64 games with Chicago as a rookie last season.
The Colorado Avalanche drafted Byram fourth overall in 2019, while the Buffalo Sabres selected Cozens at No. 7. Neither Byram nor Cozens has cracked the NHL yet, but both players are blue-chip prospects and are expected to play significant roles for Canada in Edmonton.
Canada begins its gold-medal defense on Dec. 26 versus Germany.
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