Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon are teaming up once again to represent Canada at the Ice Hockey World Championship, marking their first collaboration in a decade. As the NHL playoffs continue to captivate fans, the two stars have crossed the pond to compete in the prestigious international tournament, which kicks off Friday in Stockholm and Herning.
This championship serves as the final test for men’s international hockey before the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, where NHL players will return after a 12-year hiatus. Crosby, a leader of the 2015 Canadian squad that took home gold in Prague, joins MacKinnon for their third World Championship appearance, with Crosby making his first appearance since 2015. Crosby, a three-time Stanley Cup champion (2009, 2016, 2017) and double Olympic gold medalist (2010, 2014), has cemented his legacy as one of hockey’s greatest players.
MacKinnon, after his Colorado Avalanche were eliminated in the first round, is making his fourth appearance at the Worlds, his first since 2017. The 29-year-old center, who posted an impressive 116 points during the regular season, will be a crucial part of Team Canada’s success.
Crosby and MacKinnon Reunites With Marc-Andre
Crosby will also reconnect with longtime goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, who delayed his retirement at 40 to join Crosby at the Worlds for the first time since their days with the Penguins. Fleury, who has three Stanley Cups to his name with Crosby, shared that he’s excited to keep Crosby on his toes during practice.
Among the rising stars, Canada boasts 18-year-old Macklin Celebrini, the projected top pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, who had a stellar rookie season with the San Jose Sharks.
Canada has long been the most successful team in World Championship history with 28 titles, and with Crosby and MacKinnon leading the charge, they are undoubtedly one of the top contenders this year.
Other Contenders To Watch
Other nations to watch include defending champions Czech Republic, led by David Pastrnak, and the U.S., with captain Clayton Keller, which is hoping to claim its first World Championship medal since 2021. Sweden, Finland, and Switzerland will also be strong competitors in the quest for gold.
Tournament Format
The tournament’s format divides the 16 teams into two groups. Canada is in Group A in Stockholm, alongside Sweden, Finland, Austria, France, Latvia, Slovakia, and Slovenia. Group B in Herning includes the Czech Republic, Switzerland, U.S., Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Kazakhstan, and Norway. The top four teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals, with the final and bronze medal games set for May 25 at the Avicii Arena in Stockholm.
With Crosby and MacKinnon back in action, Team Canada will be a force to reckon with in this year’s Ice Hockey World Championship. Would they go all the way? Let me know your thoughs.
