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

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.