Sixteen years after Sidney Crosby etched his name into Canadian hockey lore with the "Golden Goal" at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, the veteran forward is set to lead Team Canada once again, this time at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. This event marks a significant moment for another hockey superstar, Connor McDavid, who will be making his long-awaited Olympic debut alongside Crosby.
On Sunday, Hockey Canada and the Canadian Olympic Committee announced that Crosby would captain the men's hockey team, with McDavid and Cale Makar serving as alternate captains. The announcement has ignited excitement among fans, who are eager to see Crosby, now 38 and in his 21st NHL season, mentor the younger generation of Canadian talent.
"I am grateful for the opportunity to represent Canada at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games, and it is an honour to be named captain of Canada's men's hockey team, which has so many great players and leaders,” Crosby said in a statement released by Hockey Canada. He also expressed his enthusiasm for playing alongside McDavid and Makar, acknowledging their leadership qualities. "Connor and Cale, along with our entire group, provide incredible leadership, and I am happy to represent Canada together on the same team. We are all proud to wear the Maple Leaf and compete with Team Canada in Milan".
For McDavid, this Olympics is a dream realized. At 29 years old, and leading the NHL with 96 points in 58 games, the Edmonton Oilers captain is eager to represent his country on the world's biggest stage. The NHL's absence from the 2018 and 2022 Winter Olympics made fans and players wait for this moment.
Crosby's history with the Olympics is well-documented. He was part of the leadership group at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, where he scored the unforgettable "Golden Goal" in overtime against the United States. He also captained the team to a gold medal at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. His experience and leadership will be invaluable as Canada aims for another gold medal in 2026.
The men's hockey tournament at Milano Cortina 2026 is scheduled from February 11-22, with games taking place at the Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena and the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Canada will begin their tournament on February 12 against Czechia. They will also face Switzerland and France in the preliminary round.
The projected lines for Team Canada include Macklin Celebrini, Connor McDavid, and Mitch Marner as a forward line. Another line is projected to have Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, and Sam Reinhart. Brad Marchand, Nick Suzuki, and Tom Wilson may form a third line, while Brandon Hagel, Bo Horvat, and Mark Stone could be the fourth line.
With Crosby's leadership, McDavid's skill, and Makar's defensive prowess, Team Canada is considered a top contender at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The blend of experienced veterans and young stars creates a dynamic that should make Canada a thrilling team to watch as they compete for gold in Milan.