Sidney Crosby has been named captain of Team Canada for the men’s hockey team at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina. The announcement was made Sunday in Milan.
Crosby, age 38, is currently serving his 21st NHL season and has been captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins since May 31, 2007. He will be competing in his third Olympic Games after helping Canada win gold medals at both the Vancouver 2010 and Sochi 2014 Olympics. In the 2010 gold medal game against the United States, he scored the overtime-winning goal.
To his teammates, Crosby represents more than just leadership on paper. Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone said, “(He’s) a real role model for everybody that was in [the Team Canada room], right? I mean, I was 14 years old when he made his NHL debut, or maybe 13. He’s been there, been the guy ever since I’ve gotten into the League.”
Connor McDavid and Cale Makar have been named alternate captains alongside Crosby. McDavid commented on Crosby’s experience: “He’s been here and done that and played in the biggest moments and succeeded, but just a calming presence, a guy that doesn’t get too high or too low.”
Crosby also served as Canada’s captain during the Sochi Olympics and at last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off tournament. This season with Pittsburgh, he has recorded 59 points (27 goals, 32 assists) over 56 games. He was one of six players named to Canada’s preliminary roster in July.
Sam Reinhart noted Crosby’s impact beyond statistics: “You know, he’s been the guy. He’s been the face (for Canada) ever since he came into the League, and it almost seems like before that. So, you know, he’s got the success and accomplishments to go along with it, but it’s more what he means to the game, what he means to people in Canada. And you know, you see it on and off the ice. Where he goes, people follow.”
Among this year’s Canadian roster members only Crosby and Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty have previous Olympic experience for Team Canada.
Crosby spoke about embracing both responsibility and opportunity as captain: “You have to be open-minded, go with the flow,” Crosby said. “And you have to embrace the whole experience. It’s a special one, not only representing hockey, but just the entire Team Canada and celebrating sports. And there are expectations, there’s pressure that comes with that. But it’s about our group trying to be the best team we can and it’s on all of us to help each other.”
The men’s hockey tournament begins Wednesday and runs through February 22. Canada is grouped with Czechia, Switzerland and France in Group A; its opening match is scheduled against Czechia at Santagiulia Arena on Thursday.
Crosby plays for an organization recognized for its history of Hall of Fame figures among players and coaches according to their official website (https://www.nhl.com/penguins/). The Penguins have consistently competed in playoffs and won division titles over many seasons (https://www.nhl.com/penguins/), contributing significantly to Pittsburgh’s sports culture (https://www.nhl.com/penguins/). Their home games are held at PPG Paints Arena in downtown Pittsburgh (https://www.nhl.com/penguins/), while ownership rests with Fenway Sports Group which manages franchise operations (https://www.nhl.com/penguins/).
