In a highly anticipated return to international play, Sidney Crosby, the iconic captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins, is set to represent Team Canada at the upcoming IIHF World Championships. The news, first reported by CBS News Pittsburgh, has sparked enthusiasm among hockey fans, especially those eager to see Crosby don the red and white jersey once again.
A Long-Awaited Comeback to the World Stage
Crosby’s participation in this year’s tournament marks his return to the World Championships for the first time since 2015. That year, he captained Team Canada to a commanding gold medal victory, adding yet another prestigious title to his already illustrious career. As he heads back to international ice, this will be his third World Championship appearance, and his ninth time overall representing Team Canada in global competition.
Earlier this year, Crosby once again demonstrated his leadership on the international stage by captaining Canada to gold at the 4 Nations Face-Off, showing that the 36-year-old veteran still has plenty of elite-level hockey in him.
Kyle Dubas to Join as General Manager
Adding another layer of Pittsburgh connection to the tournament, Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas will also serve as the general manager for Team Canada during the championship. With both Crosby and Dubas involved, Penguins fans have extra incentive to tune in and support the national team.
Their collaboration on the international stage also reflects a deep commitment to the sport and country, offering an exciting opportunity for Crosby to continue mentoring younger Canadian talents while competing for another medal.
Tournament Details: Dates, Venues, and Opponents
The 2025 IIHF World Championships will be jointly hosted by Denmark and Sweden and will run from May 9 to May 25. Team Canada will kick off its campaign on Saturday, May 10, facing Slovenia in an early morning matchup scheduled for 6:20 a.m. Eastern Time.
During the preliminary round, Canada is slated to compete against a range of international opponents, including:
- Latvia
- France
- Austria
- Slovakia
- Finland
- Sweden
These matches, spread across a 10-day period, will determine seeding and playoff positions as the tournament progresses. With such a diverse field, fans can expect high-level competition, especially when Canada faces perennial powerhouses like Finland and Sweden.
Where to Watch
Hockey fans can follow every thrilling moment of the tournament, including Crosby’s performance, with broadcasts available on the NHL Network and ESPN+ in the United States. Coverage will include both preliminary games and the knockout rounds, ensuring fans won’t miss any of the action as Team Canada battles for gold.
Legacy in the Making
Crosby’s return adds both star power and veteran leadership to an already talented Team Canada roster. As one of hockey’s most respected figures—with three Stanley Cups, two Olympic gold medals, and a World Championship gold already to his name—Crosby is once again in position to leave his mark on the international stage.
Fans will be watching closely as the puck drops this May, hoping to see another golden chapter in Sidney Crosby’s legendary career.