Sidney Crosby has been named captain of Team Canada for the men’s hockey tournament at the Milano Cortina 2026, marking another milestone in one of the most decorated international careers in modern hockey.
The Pittsburgh Penguins center will be competing in his third Olympic Games, having already won gold with Canada at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and the 2014 Sochi Games. Crosby famously scored the overtime winner against the United States in the Vancouver gold-medal final, a moment that remains one of the most iconic plays in Olympic hockey history.
Now 38, Crosby is in his 21st NHL season and has captured three Stanley Cups with the Penguins in 2009, 2016 and 2017. Despite his veteran status, he continues to perform at an elite level, recording 59 points this season on 27 goals and 32 assists through 56 games.
Joining Crosby in leadership roles are Connor McDavid and Cale Makar, who were named alternate captains. McDavid, 29, leads the NHL in scoring with 96 points this season and will be making his Olympic debut. Makar, 27, is also set for his first Olympics after producing 57 points from the blue line for the Colorado Avalanche.
“It is an honor to be named captain of Canada’s men’s hockey team,” Crosby said, adding that the leadership provided by McDavid, Makar and the rest of the roster reflects the depth and pride within the group. He emphasized the shared responsibility of representing Canada and wearing the Maple Leaf on the Olympic stage in Milan.
Crosby, McDavid and Makar were among six players named to Canada’s preliminary Olympic roster earlier this year, alongside Nathan MacKinnon, Sam Reinhart and Brayden Point, highlighting the star power Canada is bringing to Italy.
The men’s hockey tournament at the 2026 Winter Olympics runs through February 22. Canada has been placed in Group A with Czechia, Switzerland and France, and will open its campaign against Czechia at Santagiulia Arena in Milan.
