Team Canada makes Macklin Celebrini vs. Sidney Crosby captain decision for IIHF World Championship

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May 14, 2026 - 21:03

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Team Canada makes Macklin Celebrini vs. Sidney Crosby captain decision for IIHF World Championship originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

If Sidney Crosby had been on Team Canada's roster all along for the IIHF World Championships, there likely would've been no debate. He would've donned the captain's 'C.'

But because Crosby was a late add, Macklin Celebrini had already been awarded the captaincy. Once Crosby joined, the Canadian federation had to make a tough call.

In the end, the 'C' is staying with Celebrini. Crosby will get an 'A' as one of the alternates.

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Crosby has been Canada's captain since the 2014 Olympics, and he's one of the greatest players in the nation's history, including that historic game-winning goal in 2010 in Vancouver.

He was the captain at this year's Olympics, although injury kept him out of the final two rounds as Canada only claimed silver.

Now, the torch has been passed to Celebrini.

The 19-year old led Canada in goals at the 2026 Winter Olympics, and he was set to be the only player from that silver medalist on the Worlds roster until Crosby joined late.

Celebrini just finished his NHL campaign with the Sharks with the third-most points ever by a 19-year old, behind just Wayne Gretzky and Sidney Crosby.

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While Celebrini is just getting going on what should be a wonderful hockey career, Crosby is nearing the end. He has just one year left on his current contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

It's cool to see Crosby taking part in this tournament at all. He certainly didn't have to. But after he and Celebrini built up cool chemistry at the last World Championships, they'll run it back this time.

But this time, Celebrini has the 'C' on his chest, an honor he may make the case to keep for a long time.