Lightning name C Lecavalier captain

Sep 18, 2008 - 6:43 PM TAMPA, Florida (Ticker) -- Vincent Lecavalier is back as captain of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Lightning announced Thursday that Lecavalier, who is the face of the franchise, will serve as captain for the upcoming campaign.

Lecavalier, who has spent his entire career with the Lightning after being drafted first overall in 1998, previously served as captain during the 1999-2000 and 2000-01 seasons.

"Vinny has displayed exemplary qualities on and off the ice throughout his career," said Brian Lawton, the club's executive vice president of hockey operations. "He is a natural leader in the locker room and sets a great example for others by the way he competes night in and night out."

Lecavalier, 28, is the franchise's all-time leading scorer with 273 goals and 602 points in 710 games with the Lightning.

"It's a great honor to be captain of the Tampa Bay Lightning, I have been here many years and there are a lot of great leaders on this team," Lecavalier said. "I don't think you need a letter on your sweater to be a leader, but it's definitely a great honor to be captain."