Team Canada secured a spot in the gold medal game at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics after a dramatic semifinal win. The victory sets up a highly anticipated matchup against their rivals, the United States. The gold medal game is scheduled for Sunday.
The team's performance throughout the tournament has been impressive, but the status of captain Sidney Crosby is a major question mark. Crosby suffered a lower-body injury in the quarterfinal game against Czechia and missed the semifinal. Despite his absence, the team rallied, with Connor McDavid stepping up to wear the "C" and contribute two assists in the semifinal victory. Head coach Jon Cooper indicated that Crosby has a better chance of playing in the gold medal game than he did in the semifinal, but his participation remains uncertain.
"Just keeping it warm for Sid," McDavid said after the game, acknowledging Crosby's continued leadership role in the locker room. Crosby, who has a history of memorable Olympic moments, including the golden goal at Vancouver 2010, remains a significant presence for the team, even off the ice.
Team Canada will hold a closed practice session as they finalize their preparations for the gold medal game. The team is aiming for their first Olympic gold medal since Sochi 2014, and a victory against the United States would be a sweet one for Canadian hockey fans.
