Sidney Crosby has been named Canada’s captain for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey in Toronto ©Getty Images

Sidney Crosby has been named as Canada’s captain for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey in Toronto as he looks to guide his nation to gold in the same way he did at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games and the 2015 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Championships.

The 29-year-old, a two-time Stanley Cup winner since becoming captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins prior to the 2007-8 season, will be supported by alternate captains Jonathan Toews and Shea Weber.

Toews, 28, took on the same role for Canada when he won his second IIHF World Junior Championship gold medal in 2007.

He was also part of his country’s teams that won Olympic gold medals at Vancouver 2010 and Sochi 2014, and has three Stanley Cup titles to his name since becoming the captain of Chicago Blackhawks in 2008-9.

Weber, 31, has won gold for Canada at both the IIHF World Junior Championship and IIHF World Championship, and at the two aforementioned Olympic Games.

Having spent six seasons as captain of the Nashville Predators, he will serve as an alternate captain for the Montreal Canadiens this coming season having transferred in June.

"All 23 players on our roster are leaders on their respective club teams," said Doug Armstrong, Canada’s general manager at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.

"These are three leaders who have demonstrated their ability to win at all levels, and we are looking to them to bring that experience, and their relentless pursuit of excellence, as we come together as a team."

Jonathan Toews, pictured, and Shea Weber will serve as alternate captains ©Getty Images
Jonathan Toews, pictured, and Shea Weber will serve as alternate captains ©Getty Images

Mike Babcock, head coach of Canada at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, added: "Sid, Toews and Web are great men who have had unbelievable on-ice success.

"We look forward to them stepping up and leading our group as we work to achieve our ultimate goal at the World Cup."

The third edition of the World Cup of Hockey is due to take place 12 years after the second.

The tournament, last won by Canada in 2004, will also feature the United States, Russia, Sweden, Finland, and the Czech Republic.

A North American team, featuring players aged 23 and under, will appear in the competition as well as a squad which includes the best players from the rest of Europe.

All will compete in the two-week tournament, which is scheduled to be held from September 17 to October 1 and feature more than 170 of the best players in the NHL.

Games will be played at Air Canada Centre, home of the Toronto Maple Leafs.