MILAN — Sidney Crosby was named captain for Team Canada at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 on Sunday.
But to his teammates, he’s much more than that.
“(He’s) a real role model for everybody that was in [the Team Canada room], right?” Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone said. “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.”
The 38-year-old, who has been the Pittsburgh Penguins captain since May 31, 2007, is competing in his third Olympic Games, winning gold with Canada at the 2014 Sochi Olympics and 2010 Vancouver Olympics. He scored in overtime in the gold medal game against the United States in 2010.
Crosby is in his 21st NHL season and has won the Stanley Cup three times with the Pittsburgh Penguins (2009, 2016, 2017).
Connor McDavid and Cale Makar were named alternate captains.
“He’s been here and done that and played in the biggest moments and succeeded,” McDavid said, “but just a calming presence, a guy that doesn’t get too high or too low.”
Crosby, who was also Canada captain in 2014 and at the 4 Nations Face-Off one year ago, has 59 points (27 goals, 32 assists) in 56 games for the Penguins this season. He was one of six players, along with McDavid, Makar, and forwards Nathan MacKinnon, Sam Reinhart and Brayden Point named to Canada’s preliminary roster in July.
“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,” Reinhart said. “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.”