Monday, February 23, 2026- In a stunning blow to Team Canada’s men’s hockey hopes at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, captain Sidney Crosby was ruled out of the gold medal game against the United States due to a lower‑body injury he suffered earlier in the tournament.
The 38‑year‑old star missed both the semifinal and final after exiting Canada’s quarterfinal matchup with Czechia, and can’t suit up despite skating in practice leading up to the showdown.
Considered one of the greatest Canadian hockey players of all time and a two‑time Olympic gold medallist, Crosby’s absence loomed large as his team battled the U.S. in a high‑stakes final. Instead of wearing the captain’s “C,” Connor McDavid led the lineup, marking a significant leadership shift for Canada in what may be Crosby’s final Olympic appearance.
After the loss, Crosby reflected that he was “pretty close” to playing but ultimately chose what he felt was best for the group — a decision that underscored both his competitive spirit and commitment to the team’s success. The defeat — and Crosby’s absence — instantly became one of the defining storylines of this year’s Olympic hockey tournament.
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