Ryan Nugent-Hopkins named captain of Canada's world junior team

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, from Burnaby, B.C., speaks to the media after arriving in Calgary, Alta., on Dec. 10, 2012 for the National Junior hockey team selection camp. (Jeff McIntosh/ THE CANADIAN PRESS)

CALGARY - Forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has been named Canada's team captain for the upcoming world junior hockey championship.

Nugent-Hopkins made a splash last season as an 18-year-old rookie with the Edmonton Oilers, putting up 18 goals and 34 assists in 62 games while being named a finalist for the Calder Trophy, awarded to the league's top rookie.

The Burnaby, B.C., native has played for the AHL's Oklahoma City Barons during the NHL lockout, scoring eight goals and adding 12 assists in 19 games.

Nugent-Hopkins was cut from Canada's junior team as a 17-year-old in 2011 and wasn't made available by the Oilers for the 2012 team.

Scott Harrington of the OHL's London Knights and Jonathan Huberdeau of the QMJHL's Saint John Sea Dogs were named alternate captains.

Canada has won a medal at 14 straight world junior championships, but hasn't topped the podium since 2009.