Hockey Canada and the Canadian Olympic Committee have officially announced that Sidney Crosby will captain Team Canada's men's ice hockey team at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo. The announcement, made on Sunday, February 8, 2026, confirms Crosby's return to the Olympic stage for the first time since the 2014 Sochi Games, where he also served as captain. Joining him in the leadership group are Connor McDavid and Cale Makar, who have been named alternate captains.

Crosby, the Pittsburgh Penguins' captain, is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, having led Canada to victory in Vancouver 2010 and Sochi 2014. His "Golden Goal" in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics against the United States remains an iconic moment in Canadian hockey history. Now, he will lead Team Canada as they seek to reclaim the gold medal in Milan.

"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. He also acknowledged the leadership qualities of his alternate captains, adding, "Connor and Cale, along with our entire group, provide incredible leadership, and I am happy to represent Canada together on the same team". Crosby emphasized the team's collective pride in wearing the Maple Leaf and competing for Canada.

Connor McDavid, the Edmonton Oilers' captain, and Cale Makar, a defenseman for the Colorado Avalanche, bring their own leadership experience to the team. Both McDavid and Makar are set to make their Olympic debuts after the NHL's absence from the 2018 and 2022 Games. McDavid currently leads the NHL in points, while Makar is among the top-scoring defensemen in the league.

All three players wore letters at the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off, where Crosby was captain and McDavid scored the overtime winner in the final against the United States. This existing chemistry and leadership experience are expected to be valuable assets for Team Canada as they head into the Olympics.

Canada's Olympic journey begins on February 12th with a preliminary round game against Czechia. The team's first practice in Milan took place on Sunday night, as they prepare for the competition ahead. With Crosby at the helm and McDavid and Makar providing support, Team Canada is aiming for nothing short of gold at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.