MILAN — Sidney Crosby will captain Team Canada as they begin their quest for a third consecutive Olympic gold medal in men’s hockey, facing Team Czechia on Thursday at Santagiulia Arena (10:40 a.m. ET; Peacock, USA, ICI Tele, CBC Gem, RDS2, CBC). The team arrives at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games with a singular focus: victory.
Crosby, a two-time Olympic gold medalist (2010, 2014) and captain of the 2014 team, was officially named captain on February 8, 2026, with Cale Makar and Connor McDavid designated as alternate captains. This marks Crosby’s third Olympic appearance. He also captained Canada at the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off.
“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 and the Canadian Olympic Committee.
The Canadians will follow their opening game against Czechia with preliminary round matchups against Switzerland on February 13 and France on February 15. The single-elimination portion of the tournament will follow.
Head coach Jon Cooper emphasized the importance of establishing a clear identity for the team. “I hate sitting here and saying going in, ‘This is the way we’re going to play or this is the way it’s going to go,’” Cooper said. “But this group of players, to wear their heart on their sleeve, this team will push. You want to have a team that can beat somebody many different ways.”
Canada’s anticipated top lines are expected to feature McDavid, Crosby, and MacKinnon centering three different forward groups. Crosby, in his 21st NHL season, has 59 points (27 goals, 32 assists) in 56 games for the Pittsburgh Penguins this season.
The team’s pursuit of gold comes as Canada aims for its fourth gold medal in six Olympic Games where NHL players have been able to participate. The 2014 team, the last to compete with NHL players, dominated the tournament, winning three games by shutout and outscoring opponents 17-3.
“He’s been here and done that and played in the biggest moments and succeeded,” McDavid said of Crosby. “But just a calming presence, a guy that doesn’t get too high or too low.”
