Sidney Crosby named captain of Canada's men's hockey team

Two-time Olympic gold medallist Sidney Crosby has been named captain of Canada's men's hockey team at the Milan Cortina Games.

The Pittsburgh Penguins superstar captained Canada to a gold medal the last time NHL players participated in the Olympics at the 2014 Games in Sochi, Russia.

Four years earlier, he scored the "golden goal" in overtime as Canada defeated the United States 3-2 in the Vancouver 2010 final.

NHL stars arrive in Milan

He also served as captain of Canada's championship team at last year's 4 Nations Face-Off.

"It is an honour to be named captain of Canada's men's hockey team, which has so ⁠many great players and leaders," Crosby said ​in a statement.

The 38-year-old from Cole Harbour, N.S., was one of the first six players selected for Canada's team in Milan and is having another standout NHL season with   27 goals and 32 assists in 56 games.

Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid and Colorado Avalanche defenceman Cale Makar were named alternates.

Canada opens its tournament Thursday against Czechia.

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