USA names Pavelski captain, Kane and Suter alternates

Team USA's leadership group is set.

Rumored to have earned the nod in an August report, San Jose Sharks forward Joe Pavelski was officially named team captain on Wednesday, with Hart Trophy winner Patrick Kane and Minnesota Wild defenseman Ryan Suter serving as alternates.

David Backes, Ryan Kesler, Ryan McDonagh, and Zach Parise are also part of the team's leadership group, which head coach John Tortorella thinks will help the American's on their quest to a title.

"The great news for us is that we have plenty of leaders in our room," Tortorella said.

"In the end, in addition to our captain and alternate captains, we also selected four other players and those seven guys will form an overall leadership group for our team. Our goal is simple and that’s to win the World Cup."

Pavelski, Kane, and Suter have all represented the U.S. at the past two Olympic games, earning a silver medal in 2010 in Vancouver.