Almost 12 years have passed since Sidney Crosby last won an Olympic gold medal.
After his memorable Golden Goal in 2010 and leading his team to victory in 2014, it seemed like just the beginning of Crosby’s success on the Olympic stage.
However, those opportunities vanished as NHL players were absent from the 2018 Olympics due to a dispute over expenses between the league and the International Ice Hockey Federation. The global pandemic further delayed the NHL’s return to the Olympics in 2022.
Now, at the age of 38, Crosby is making a comeback on the international stage, aiming for another golden moment. It is almost certain that he will lead the team in Italy.
In an exclusive interview with CBC Olympics host Ariel Helwani, Crosby expressed his motivation for returning to the Olympics after the uncertainties of the past years.
Sidney Crosby discusses his motivations for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics and his aspirations to compete for Canada once again, including insights on the iconic 2010 golden goal.
Joining Crosby will be NHL stars Nathan MacKinnon and Connor McDavid, who have never had the chance to participate in the Olympics before. This trio is expected to be a significant asset for Canada, especially in their opening game on Feb. 12.
While MacKinnon has previously won the Stanley Cup, McDavid is still pursuing his first. The prospect of winning Olympic gold presents a unique opportunity for McDavid to solidify his place in hockey history.
According to Jeff Marek from The Sheet with Jeff Marek podcast, McDavid thrives under pressure and is eager for the challenge ahead.
Macklin Celebrini, a 19-year-old standout with the San Jose Sharks, will also be part of the team after proving his worth early on. Celebrini, born three years before Crosby’s golden goal, may even play alongside the veteran in Milan.
Notably, Celebrini received confirmation of his spot on the team from GM Doug Armstrong personally, highlighting his rapid rise to the international stage.