Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby headline Canada’s prep camp in Calgary as 92 players gear up for the 2026 Olympic men’s hockey tournament.
Canadian Stars Begin Olympic Journey
Hockey Canada launched its three-day orientation camp in Calgary this week, gathering 92 athletes from the NHL, women’s, and Para hockey programs. The camp marks the first major step in preparing for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, Italy.
Leadership From McDavid and Crosby
Connor McDavid, captain of the Edmonton Oilers, and veteran Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins are among the first six players named to Canada’s men’s team. McDavid, 28, described the atmosphere as “something bigger than your club team,” while Crosby, now 38, emphasized his gratitude for another Olympic opportunity after leading Canada to gold in 2010 and 2014.
Rising Talent Joins Olympic Roster Battle
Alongside McDavid and Crosby, players like Sam Reinhart, Nathan MacKinnon, Brayden Point, and Cale Makar are locked in for Milan. An additional 36 NHL players attended camp, competing for spots on the final 25-man roster to be unveiled in January. For many, including Reinhart, this marks a long-awaited chance after missing Olympic play when the NHL skipped the 2018 and 2022 Games.
Building Unity Across Programs
The camp was designed to bring together men’s, women’s, and Para hockey players under a single Canadian banner. “It unites the country,” McDavid said, reflecting on the shared Olympic preparation. While NHL players did not hit the ice, the women’s and Para teams will continue training in Calgary in the coming days.
Countdown to Olympic Competition
Canada’s men’s hockey team will open its Olympic schedule on Feb. 12, 2026, against Czechia, just days after the NHL breaks on Feb. 5. With the 4 Nations Face-Off earlier this year serving as a rehearsal, McDavid noted the intensity: “The fastest, tightest-checking hockey I’ve ever played.”
Focus on Preparation and Performance
Organizers emphasized that this orientation is the only in-person gathering before the Olympics. Players were briefed on Olympic logistics, including life in the athletes’ village and travel arrangements. Crosby summed it up: “The skill level, the speed—it’s a whole other level. If it’s anything like 4 Nations, it is going to be fast.”
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