Hockey Canada announced on X that Sidney Crosby will not play in the semifinal. Connor McDavid will wear the captain’s “C” against Finland.
Cale Makar and Nathan MacKinnon will serve as alternates. The change comes as Canada prepares for a tough test at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.
“Sidney Crosby will not play in the semifinals,” Canada’s statement reads. “Connor McDavid will wear the ‘C’ today, with Cale Makar and Nathan MacKinnon serving as alternates.”
Canada reached the semifinal after a 4-3 overtime win over Czechia in the quarterfinals. The game moved to single elimination after a strong preliminary round. Canada opened with a 5-0 win over Czechia. The team followed with a 5-1 victory against Switzerland. Canada then closed group play with a 10-2 result over France.
Finland advanced with a 3-2 overtime win against Switzerland. The semifinal between Canada and Finland will take place Friday at Santagiulia Arena. The United States will face Slovakia in the other semifinal.
Canada has scored 24 goals in four games. The power play has clicked, and the top line has driven play. Now, with McDavid leading, Canada will try to book a spot in Sunday’s gold medal game.