Sidney Crosby Leads Star-Studded Team Canada in First Olympic Practice Alongside McDavid and Makar

Team Canada's men's hockey squad took to the ice for their first official practice at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on Sunday evening, marking the beginning of their quest for Olympic gold at Milano Cortina 2026. The practice session came just hours after Sidney Crosby was officially named captain, with Connor McDavid and Cale Makar serving as alternate captains for the tournament.

The practice revealed head coach Jon Cooper's early line combinations, with Crosby centering a line between Mark Stone and Mitch Marner on what appeared to be the top unit. McDavid, meanwhile, was paired with 19-year-old sensation Macklin Celebrini and veteran Tom Wilson in a combination that showcased both experience and emerging talent. On the blue line, Makar partnered with his Colorado Avalanche teammate Devon Toews to form what many expect will be Canada's top defensive pair.

This marks Crosby's third Olympic appearance and his second time wearing the captain's 'C' for Canada at the Winter Games. The 38-year-old Pittsburgh Penguins legend previously led Canada to gold at Sochi 2014 and won his first Olympic gold at Vancouver 2010, where he scored the iconic overtime winner against the United States in the final. "It's an honor every time you get to represent your country," Crosby said after the captain announcement. "I still love it, and I'm ready to help this team win."

The practice atmosphere was described as "surreal" by several players, as NHL stars return to the Olympic stage for the first time since Sochi 2014. The 12-year absence of NHL players from the Olympics has made this tournament particularly meaningful for both veterans like Crosby and young stars like Celebrini, who is experiencing his first Olympic competition. The presence of generational talents McDavid and Makar as alternate captains creates a leadership core that spans multiple eras of Canadian hockey excellence.

Canada opens their tournament on Thursday, February 12, against Czechia in what promises to be a highly anticipated match. The Canadian roster is widely considered one of the deepest in the tournament, featuring multiple Hart Trophy winners, Norris Trophy recipients, and some of the NHL's brightest young talents. With the combination of Crosby's proven Olympic pedigree, McDavid's dynamic offensive abilities, and Makar's elite two-way play, Canada enters the tournament as one of the favorites to claim gold.