Hockey Canada names captain for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.

There will be a ton of pressure on Team Canada as they head into the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, the first time players from the National Hockey League will be representing their home countries in over a decade. Canada is considered a perennial favorite at all international hockey tournaments and there will be high expectations on the Canadian squad for this event.

We now know that much of that pressure will fall on the shoulders of 3 men, with Hockey Canada unveiling their leadership group for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games early on Sunday morning. To the surprise of no one, Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby will be wearing the "C" for the Canadians at this event. Crosby remains arguably the most well respected active player in the entire sport, making this an easy choice despite the star-studded lineup the Canadians are bringing to these games.

Crosby will be joined by a pair of alternate captains with both Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid and Colorado Avalanche star defenseman Cale Makar being selected for the two alternate roles.

There have been some comments expressing surprise at the fact that Colorado Avalanche star forward Nathan MacKinnon was not included in the leadership group, but generally speaking the response to the news seems very positive.

What do you think of the Canadians' leadership group for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.