Sidney Crosby has been appointed as the captain of the Canadian men’s Olympic hockey team for the 2026 Winter Olympics. This marks Crosby's second time leading the national team, as he previously served as captain during the 2014 Sochi Olympics, where Canada clinched the gold medal. The inclusion of NHL players in the Olympic roster has been a notable development since they last participated in the Winter Games.

Crosby, a renowned player for the Pittsburgh Penguins and a two-time Olympic gold medalist, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to represent Canada once again. He stated, “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.” His enthusiasm for the upcoming tournament reflects a deep sense of pride in wearing the maple leaf, alongside other notable teammates. Crosby mentioned the leadership contributions of Connor McDavid and Cale Makar, who will assist him in their respective roles as assistant captains.

Connor McDavid, the star center of the Edmonton Oilers, has been recognized as one of the best players in the league, while Cale Makar, a defenseman for the Colorado Avalanche, is celebrated for his outstanding skill and performance on the ice. Together, they are expected to help guide the team both on and off the ice, creating a strong leadership core as they prepare for the challenges of the Olympic Games in Milan.

Canada’s journey in men’s hockey at the Milano Cortina 2026 will commence on February 12 against Denmark. The game is scheduled to start at 10:40 a.m. Eastern Time (ET) / 7:40 a.m. Pacific Time (PT), and it will be broadcast on Sportsnet. As the team aims for Olympic success, the spotlight will be on Crosby and his teammates to deliver a compelling performance and pursue gold once again.