After a hiatus of nearly 12 years, Sidney Crosby is making a return to the Winter Olympics stage. The NHL superstar, known for his iconic Golden Goal in 2010, missed out on the 2018 and 2022 Olympics due to various reasons. Now, at the age of 38, Crosby is set to lead Team Canada in Italy, aiming for another shot at Olympic glory.
Joining Crosby on the squad are fellow NHL stars Nathan MacKinnon and Connor McDavid, who are making their Olympic debuts. MacKinnon, a Stanley Cup winner, and McDavid, who has come close to lifting the Cup, will bolster Canada’s forward lineup, which is expected to be a key strength for the team.
Young talent Macklin Celebrini, aged 19, has also earned a spot on the team, fulfilling a childhood dream of playing alongside his idol, Crosby. Celebrini’s inclusion reflects Canada’s emphasis on versatile players, with Montreal Canadiens’ Nick Suzuki and Washington Capitals’ Tom Wilson also making the cut.
In the defensive department, players like Drew Doughty and the dynamic duo of Devon Toews and Cale Makar bring a wealth of experience and skill to the team. However, concerns linger over Canada’s goaltending situation, with Jordan Binnington, Logan Thompson, and Darcy Kuemper tasked with guarding the net despite some uncertainties.
While Crosby remains focused on leading Canada to another Olympic triumph, the team’s journey begins on Feb. 12 against the Czech Republic, with eyes set on the gold medal game scheduled for Feb. 22.