New York Islanders forward Thomas Vanek has been named captain of Team Austria for the Olympic Games in Sochi, according to his official website.
“Vanek is a star player for us and also in the NHL, that’s enough to make him captain," said head coach Manny Viveiros. "He is a role-model for all young players in Austria.”
The 30-year old has recorded 19 goals and 28 assists with the Islanders and Buffalo Sabres this season.
Vanek is one of three NHL players on Austria's roster, along with Islanders' forward Michael Grabner and Michael Raffl of the Philadelphia Flyers.
The Winter Games in Sochi will mark the Austria's first appearance in the hockey tournament since 2002.
