Sidney Crosby, famously known as `Captain Canada,` is set to make a return to international hockey competition.
Hockey Canada officially announced on Sunday that the legendary forward, Sidney Crosby, has been added to Team Canada`s roster for the 2025 IIHF Men`s World Championship. His inclusion is expected to provide a significant boost to the team`s lineup.
While Crosby recently featured for Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off just a few months prior, it has been a full decade since he last participated in the World Championship tournament.
His previous appearance in the tournament was in 2015, where he captained the Canadian squad and helped them secure their 25th gold medal.
Crosby`s international career is exceptionally decorated. Beyond his two Olympic gold medals and the recent victory in the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off, the native of Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, also holds a 2016 World Cup of Hockey title and won the World Juniors in 2005.
Leading up to the February 4 Nations Face-Off, Crosby boasted an impressive record of 26-0-0 in his last 26 international games. Although Canada`s group stage loss to the USA in that tournament ended this remarkable streak, the 37-year-old veteran ultimately helped lead his team to win the overall tournament.
His triumph at the 2015 World Championships, coupled with his role as captain, granted him entry into the prestigious Triple Gold Club. This club consists of players who have won a World Championship, a Stanley Cup, and an Olympic Gold medal. Crosby stands out as the only member of this elite group to have served as captain for the team achieving all three accomplishments.
In earlier years, Crosby`s busy schedule with deep playoff runs for the Pittsburgh Penguins often prevented his participation in the annual international tournament. However, this season, the Penguins concluded with a 34-36-12 record, placing them seventh in the Metropolitan Division and missing the playoffs, thus freeing up the captain`s calendar.
Despite a challenging year for the Pittsburgh team overall, Crosby maintained a strong personal performance in his 20th NHL season, finishing with 33 goals and 91 points.
The puck drops for the 2025 IIHF World Championship on May 9. Team Canada is scheduled to play their first game against Slovakia on May 10. This year`s edition of the tournament is being co-hosted by Sweden and Denmark.
