Toews to lead hawks

[Mr. Hockey]

THE CANADIAN PRESS

CHICAGO -- The Chicago Blackhawks announced Friday that centre Jonathan Toews will serve as the team's captain for the 2008-09 season, making him the third-youngest captain in NHL history.

Only Pittsburgh Penguins centre Sidney Crosby and Tampa Bay Lightning centre Vincent Lecavalier, both while still 19, became captains at a younger age than the 20-year-old Toews.

"Jonathan deserves this honour," said Blackhawks general manager Dale Tallon. "He is a tremendous individual and a wonderful leader on and off the ice. He has experience in captaining teams from his world junior appearances and guys follow his lead in our locker room."

Toews led NHL rookies last season with 24 goals and seven power-play markers while ranking third with 54 points in 64 games.

The Winnipeg native was Chicago's first choice, third overall, in the 2006 NHL entry draft.

[Carson!]

congrats to Toews!

he really deserves that, and it's not like there are much other players on the hawks that could do it.

[Mr. Hockey]

i was shock. i knew that he was going to be the captain but not his early. But way to go Toews. Who deserve it...

[Carson!]

i think that the hawks may make the play-offs next year

[Mr. Hockey]

yes they will because they have Huet

[V-HAB]

I'm a bit surprised they didn't give it to recent addition Brian Campbell, but then again, Toews does know the team better. We'll see how it works out.

[Mr. Hockey]

i think it will work out

[Carson!]

holy crap, i didn't even remember that brian campbell signed with the hawks...well maybe they will give him the assistant captain role.