The Philadelphia Flyers have announced that defenseman Chris Pronger has been named the 18th captain in team history.

In addition, Danny Briere and Kimmo Timonen will wear the “A” as the alternate captains for the 2011-12 season.

“With Chris’ experience and presence, we felt that he was the perfect player to take over as captain of the Philadelphia Flyers," said Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren.

“Having Kimmo and Danny, both former captains in the NHL, serving as alternates, really gives us a strong, dedicated leadership group.”

“All three of these players know what it takes to win and are excellent role models both on and off the ice.”

Pronger, 36 (10-10-74), was acquired by the Flyers in a trade with the Anaheim Ducks on June 26, 2009.  In 132 games over the past two seasons, he has scored 14 goals and added 66 assists for 80 points, while collecting a plus-29 rating and 123 PIM.  Pronger has previously served as the captain of Anaheim and the St. Louis Blues.  He won a Stanley Cup with Anaheim in 2007 and has won two Olympic gold medals with Team Canada, in 2002 and 2010.
 
Timonen, 36 (3-18-75), was acquired by the Flyers on June 18, 2007 in a trade with the Nashville Predators.  In 321 career games over four seasons with the Flyers, he has recorded 23 goals and 140 assists for 183 points, along with a plus-28 rating and 190 PIM.  Timonen has previously served as Nashville’s captain, and has won three Olympic medals with Team Finland – a silver in 2006 and two bronze, in 1998 and 2010.  
 
Briere, 33 (10-6-77), signed with the Flyers as a free agent on July 1, 2007.  In 260 career games with the Flyers over four seasons, he has scored 102 goals and added 116 assists for 218 points.  Briere previously served as the captain of the Buffalo Sabres.