Sidney Crosby, affectionately known as `Captain Canada`, is preparing to return to the international stage for hockey.
Team Canada`s lineup for the 2025 IIHF Men`s World Championship is slated to receive a major boost with the inclusion of the legendary player Sidney Crosby, as announced by Hockey Canada on Sunday.
While the hockey community saw Crosby represent Canada just months ago at the 4 Nations Face-Off, it has been a full decade since he last played in the World Championship tournament.
His most recent appearance in the event was in 2015, where he played a key role in leading Canada to their 25th gold medal.
Crosby stands among the most accomplished international hockey players of all time. The native of Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, holds an impressive collection of international hardware, including two Olympic gold medals, a recent victory at the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off, a 2016 World Cup of Hockey championship, and a World Juniors gold medal from 2005.
Leading up to the 4 Nations Face-Off in February, Crosby boasted a remarkable 26-0-0 record in his previous 26 international games. Although Canada`s loss to the USA during the group stage ended this perfect streak, the 37-year-old`s presence and contribution remained significant.
By winning the 2015 World Championship and captaining the squad, he earned entry into the prestigious Triple Gold Club. This exclusive group consists of players who have won a World Championship, a Stanley Cup, and an Olympic Gold medal. Crosby holds the unique distinction of being the only player in this club to have served as captain for the winning team in all three events.
In previous years, Crosby was typically occupied with playing in the NHL playoffs, which prevented him from participating in the World Championship. However, the Pittsburgh Penguins finished this season with a 34-36-12 record, placing them seventh in the Metropolitan division and causing them to miss the playoffs, thereby freeing up the captain`s schedule.
Despite a challenging season for the Penguins, Crosby personally had a strong year in his 20th NHL campaign, recording 33 goals and 91 points.
The puck drops for the 2025 IIHF World Championship on May 9th. Canada`s opening game is scheduled for May 10th against Slovakia. This year`s tournament will be jointly hosted by Sweden and Denmark.
Tristan Blackwood