Sidney Crosby Team Canada version will once again make a stupendous appearance. Today, we found out one secret weapon for Canada to add for the upcoming 2026 World Hockey Championships from Fribourg and Zurich in Switzerland. That weapon, is none other than Crosby in the flesh, on the ice. For Crosby, a man with nothing left to prove in the world of ice hockey, it truly is a sign he is still doing it for the love the game. Let’s discuss the story behind the story.
Credit Image: © Nicholas T. Loverde/Cal Sport Media
A Welcomed Addition with Sidney Crosby Team Canada
Sidney Crosby is joining Team Canada at the IIHF World Hockey Championship.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) May 12, 2026
Crosby is coming off a long season that saw him miss about a month down the stretch. The leg injury was sustained at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics and kept Crosby on the sidelines during the tightly-contested Gold Medal game. Canada had been beat up down the middle. Brayden Point, Anthony Cirelli, both centres, both already unavailable for Canada. The final game would eventually be won by Team USA in overtime by Jack Hughes, but for Canadian fans, it was a what if scenario.
It is also noteworthy, as Canada currently does not hold a World Championship title at any IIHF recognized level of international ice hockey for the first time ever. The World Hockey Championships are no exception, as Team USA are the defending champs.
These are all probably contributing to the 38-year-old’s motivation to want to put on the red-and-white. A little bit of vengeance is in order for Canada. Furthermore, Crosby was on the team last year that was knocked out of quarterfinal action. You know between that and the Olympic defeat, there is extra incentive here.
What About Crosby’s Stats
As we mentioned, Crosby truly is a legend of the sport. He is a three-time Stanley Cup winner and twice won an Olympic Gold Medal. Moreover, this will be his fourth World Championship representing Canada. He has only claimed a medal once, with a gold back in 2015.
Crosby still plays at an elite level. He just wrapped up an incredible 21st consecutive NHL season at a better than point per game pace. In 68 games, he tallied 29 goals, 45 assists, totaling 74 points. He also added a pair of goals, along with four assists at the Olympics. It was a long season, but after his Pittsburgh Penguins were eliminated in the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Crosby wanted to keep going. Now, he gets that chance.
What About the Rest of the Team
Of course, Sidney Crosby Team Canada connection is nothing to shake a stick at. It begs the question if 19-year-old, recently named team captain, Macklin Celebrini, will offer the distinction to the legend. Other veterans like Ryan O’Reilly and John Tavares had been named alternate captains. Therefore, it was already a solid leadership group. However, you know the consummate professional Crosby wouldn’t let this become any sort of distraction. Celebrini is the captain, and barring anything unusual, will remain so.
Also named to the squad today were New Jersey Devil forward Dawson Mercer, and Philadelphia Flyer rookie, Porter Martone. This will be Mercer’s third appearance at the Worlds, while Martone has had quite the eventful season himself. This will mark him appearing at the World Juniors, the NCAA tournament, the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and now these Worlds. What a memorable 2025-26 campaign for the young Martone.
With all the big names on the roster, Canada wants this victory. Buckle up hockey fans, Canada is bringing out all the stops in ’26.
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Meet the 2️⃣3️⃣ players who will wear the 🍁 at #MensWorlds!
Voici les 2️⃣3️⃣ joueurs qui porteront la 🍁 au #MondialMasculin!
ROSTER: https://t.co/sfrs3l0ZKL
FORMATION : https://t.co/MfjPGLV9Nn pic.twitter.com/NUFFnwTn9t— Hockey Canada (@HockeyCanada) May 8, 2026
