USA Hockey announced Thursday that defenseman Jack Johnson has been named captain of the 2012 U.S. men's national hockey team.

Jack Johnson looks to make a pass during the Michigan Hockey Alumni Game at Yost Arena last August.

Angela J. Cesere | AnnArbor.com

The former Michigan hockey player and current Columbus Blue Jacket will lead Team USA in the 2012 International Ice Hockey Federation Men's World Championship that begins Friday and runs through May 20 in Helsinki, Finland, and Stockholm, Sweden.

Johnson, who has represented the United States in 10 international competitions, was the captain of the 2010 national team and was an alternate captain on the 2011 national team.

Jim Slater (Michigan State and Winnipeg Jets) and Nate Thompson (Tampa Bay Lightning) were tabbed alternate captains for the 2012 team.

Team USA opens IIHF championship play at 5:15 p.m. Friday against France at Hartwall Arena in Helsinki, Finland. The game can be seen live on NBC Sports Network.