Jack Johnson to captain U.S. at hockey worlds

Columbus Blue Jackets defenceman Jack Johnson has been selected captain for Team USA at the 2012 World Hockey Championships, which begin Friday in Helsinki and Stockholm.

It will be the second time that the 25-year-old will serve as team captain in his international career, also doing the honours at the 2010 worlds.

The Indianapolis native, acquired by the Blue Jackets on Feb. 23 along with a conditional first-round draft pick from Los Angeles for Jeff Carter, won a silver medal with the Americans at the 2010 Olympic Games and has also participated in four world championships, two world juniors and two world under-18 championships.

Johnson had a combined 12 goals and 26 points in 82 games with the Blue Jackets and Kings.