Dallas Stars General Manager Jim Nill and Head Coach Lindy Ruff announced today that left wing Jamie Benn has been appointed to serve as team captain, becoming the sixth captain in Dallas Stars history.

Benn, 24, has spent all four seasons of his career with the Stars, leading the team with 33 points (12-21=33) in 41 games during the 2012-13 campaign. This past season, he led the team in shots (110) and was tied for the team lead with three game-winning goals.

"In a very short period of time, Jamie Benn has gone from being an exciting up-and-coming player in the NHL, to being a cornerstone of the franchise," stated Nill. "He has steadily grown as a player and as a person. He conducts himself each and every day in a professional way and continually leads by example. We fully believe that he will be a driving force in getting this team to the next level - and now he's our captain."

Benn enters the 2013-14 season just seven points shy of 200 for his career, having already registered 193 points in 263 career NHL games (82-111=193). Since his entrance into the League in 2009-10, only Loui Eriksson has compiled more points with the Stars. He has also represented the team at the 2012 NHL All-Star Game in Ottawa, winning the accuracy-shooting portion of the SuperSkills Competition.

Drafted by Dallas in the fifth-round (129th overall) of the 2007 NHL Draft, Benn ranks fifth in points amongst players from his draft class, trailing only Patrick Kane, Sam Gagner, Jakub Voracek and David Perron. He's the only player in that group who was not drafted in the first round that year.

"I'm deeply humbled and honored to be named the captain of the Dallas Stars," stated Benn. "I look forward to representing this organization, my teammates, our fans and this great city in our pursuit to bring another Stanley Cup to Dallas."

The Victoria, British Columbia native has represented Canada on the world stage on two separate occasions, most recently at the 2012 World Championships. He also helped Canada capture the gold medal at the 2009 World Junior Championships, posting six points (4-2=6) in six games at the tournament.

In 2010, the 6-foot-2, 210-pound forward led Dallas' American Hockey League affiliate, the Texas Stars, to the Calder Cup Final, earning 26 points in 24 games (14-12=26). His 14 goals led the entire AHL during the 2010 Calder Cup Playoffs.

Benn succeeds Brenden Morrow, who served as captain from 2006-2013, Mike Modano (2003-2006), Derian Hatcher (1995-2003), Neal Broten (1994-95) and Mark Tinordi who was captain of the club when the team transitioned from Minnesota to Dallas. He served as captain from 1991-1994.

Stephane Robidas and Ray Whitney will serve as the alternate captains for the 2013-14 season.