Connor McDavid among first six players named to Canada's Olympic hockey team
After making his mark with a series-winning goal in the 4 Nations Face-Off, Connor McDavid will get a chance at Olympic gold for the first time in his career.
McDavid was among six names released by Hockey Canada and the Canadian Olympic Committee on Monday.
The other Canadian all-stars include:
• Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
• Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche
• Cale Makar, Colorado Avalanche
• Brayden Point, Tampa Bay Lightning
• Sam Reinhart, Florida Panthers
This will be McDavid's first Olympic appearance, as NHLers haven't played in the tournament since Sochi in 2014.
'We are excited to announce the first six players who will represent Canada at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games next February, as these are six world-class players and leaders that are deserving of this recognition,' said Canada GM Doug Armstrong.
'Sidney, Nathan, Cale, Connor, Brayden and Sam provide a strong foundation for a successful team and have been proven winners at all levels of their professional and international careers, and we look forward to all six being key contributors to our team as we look to accomplish our goal of winning Olympic gold.'
McDavid has represented Canada before, but not on such a major stage. Other than gold at this year's 4 Nations Face-Off, the Oilers captain won gold at the 2013 World U18 Championship, the 2015 World Junior Championship and the 2016 World Championship.
There is some unsettled business among Team Canada teammates this week, however.
Both Reinhart and McDavid are still battling it out on opposite sides of the rink in the Stanley Cup Final between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers.
Game 6 in that series goes tomorrow in Florida.
The Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics run Feb. 6-22 next year.
Some things to worry about before the Edmonton Oilers play Game 6
Edmonton Oilers have no answers for Stanley Cup snipers Bennett, Marchand
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