MILAN – Team Canada is currently not prepared to name a new captain.
According to international regulations, if Sidney Crosby, who suffered a lower body injury during Wednesday night’s quarterfinal victory over the Czech Republic, cannot continue in the Olympics, head coach John Cooper will need to stitch the “C” onto other players’ uniforms.
The Canadian team is set to face Finland in the first of two semifinal matches on Friday.
“Sid will never be removed from the tournament,” Cooper stated Thursday after a well-attended optional practice session. “We have the best players here to support him… We’re handling this on a day-by-day basis and we are making sure no one is put in a difficult position. If he’s able to play, he’ll definitely play. We’ll have more information in the next 24 hours.”
Crosby experienced an awkward fall during the second period when he was hit by Czech player Radko Gudas.
Immediately afterward, he was sandwiched between the boards by Gudas and Martin Necas. Crosby visibly showed signs of discomfort while sitting on the bench before heading to the locker room for the remainder of the game.
2026 Winter Olympics
Cooper mentioned that Crosby offered a motivational message to his teammates prior to the third period, when Nick Suzuki equalized with just under three-and-a-half minutes remaining in regular time, leading to overtime.
On Thursday, as the Canadian players practiced on the ice, Crosby underwent additional imaging tests on his knee.
Drew Doty, who’s participating in his third Olympics alongside Crosby, shared, “I find it hard to express how I feel. He’s been a role model for all the younger players, teaching them what it means to be a Canadian and a hockey player. Just being his teammate is something special.”
There’s a likelihood that if Crosby is unable to take the ice, Connor McDavid will step in as captain.
McDavid has recorded 11 points (two goals, nine assists) across all competitions, ranking among the top Olympic NHL players.
In his Olympic debut, McDavid was an alternate captain along with Cale Makar, achieving a historic milestone as the only player to have three three-point games in both the Olympics and the Stanley Cup Finals.
“Sid is just himself, nothing more, nothing less,” McDavid commented. “Everyone has their own unique style. That said, Sid is an incredible leader, and everyone here looks up to him, hoping to learn from him.”
