Sports

Hockey Canada Make Final Captain Decision After Sidney Crosby News

For over a decade and a half, Sidney Crosby has been the face of hockey in Canada, with his goal in 2010 remaining one of the biggest moments in Canadian Olympic history.

He made his return to the Olympic Games in 2026 when Team Canada took home silver, and now, he's set to lace up the skates for his country once again at the IIHF World Championship, taking place over the next few weeks in Switzerland. That did present one big question however, as 19-year-old Macklin Celebrini had already been named to captain Canada at the tournament, with many wondering how things would play out with Crosby's arrival.

 Macklin Celebrini of Canada celebrates scoring their fifth goal with teammates against France in men's ice hockey group A play during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Macklin Celebrini of Canada celebrates scoring their fifth goal with teammates against France in men's ice hockey group A play during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Geoff Burke-Imagn Images Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Now, we have confirmation of the outcome, with TSN's Chris Johnston reporting that Crosby has been allocated an 'A' for the tournament, with the rising San Jose Sharks superstar to keep the 'C' over the next few weeks.

This move no doubt comes with Crosby's blessing, as he made no secret of how much he wanted to play with Celebrini not only at the Olympics, but at the 2025 IIHF World Championship as well. At 19-years-old, not only has Celebrini shown incredible production, but he's shown maturity beyond his years, with it being just a matter of when, not if he's also named captain of the San Jose Sharks.

Now, he'll have the opportunity to learn from one of the best captains the National Hockey League has ever seen as Team Canada look to chase gold on the back of their Olympic letdown, as well as their fifth-place finish at last years IIHF World Championship.

Related: Macklin Celebrini Earns Major Team Canada Honor After 2nd NHL Season

Copyright 2026 Athlon Sports. All rights reserved.

This story was originally published May 14, 2026 at 4:54 PM.

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