Wisconsin Badgers sophomore defenseman John Ramage (St. Louis) was named captain of the 2011 U.S. National Junior Team. Ramage and Team USA take part in International Competition during the 2011 Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship, held Dec. 26-Jan. 5 in Buffalo, N.Y.
Ramage becomes the second consecutive Badger to captain Team USA in the tournament. Last year, then-Badger forward Derek Stepan was chosen captain, before leading the tournament in scoring and the Americans to their second gold medal since the event began in 1977.
Ramage serves alongside Ryan Bourque and Jeremy Morin, who take the roles of alternate captains.
All three players were members of last year’s U.S. squad that captured the gold medal in Regina and Saskatoon, Sask.
Team USA will play its first preliminary-round game on Sunday (Dec. 26) against Finland. The game, to be televised on NHL Network U.S. and streamed live on FASTHockey.USAHockey.com, will start at 7 p.m. CT.