VIERUMAKI, Finland -- Sophomore defenseman Zach Werenski of the University of Michigan ice hockey team has been named captain of the 2016 U.S. National Junior Team, USA Hockey announced today (Tuesday, Dec. 22). Werenski is the third Michigan player to captain the U.S. National Junior Team, joining Kevin Porter (2006) and Eric Nystrom (2003). Werenski is the second youngest player ever to captain the U.S. at the World Junior Tournament.
In addition, defenseman Louie Belpedio and forwards Auston Matthews and Colin White were tabbed alternate captains of the squad.
The team will participate in the International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship from Dec.