Crosby named captain of Team Canada for the Olympics, 2 famous names receive letters

Hockey Canada and the Canadian Olympic Committee made it official on February 8, 2026: Sidney Crosby will captain the Canadian men’s hockey team at the Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. Connor McDavid and Cale Makar were also named alternate captains, forming a leadership group packed with star power and experience.

At 38 years old, Crosby is no stranger to this role. The Pittsburgh Penguins captain and two-time Olympic gold medalist previously wore the ‘C’ during Canada’s gold medal run in Sochi in 2014. He also scored one of the most iconic moments in Canadian sports history, scoring the golden goal at the 2010 Games in Vancouver.

Milano Cortina marks Crosby’s first Olympic appearance since 2014, ending a 12-year gap caused by the NHL’s absence from the best-on-best international competition. Crosby called the opportunity “an honor,” especially with such a talented roster around him.

McDavid and Makar will play assistant roles

The leadership trio will feel familiar. Crosby, McDavid and Makar also served together at the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off, where Canada defeated the United States in the final to claim gold. McDavid was asked about Crosby be appointed captain“What Sid means to me, I think it’s well documented. He added: “For our generation, and for him to still be here and be the captain and still play a big role, it’s special. It’s special for all of us.”

McDavid, the Edmonton Oilers captain and one of the game’s most exciting players, and Makar, the Colorado Avalanche star and Norris Trophy winner, are widely considered the NHL’s best defenseman.

Canada enters the tournament as clear favorites, eager to bounce back from a disappointing 2022 Olympics without NHL players. With the men’s tournament set to begin on February 12, all eyes will be on Crosby – once again in the lead, possibly for one final Olympic run.

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