2026 Men’s Olympic Hockey Tournament: Team Canada captain Sidney Crosby leaves early against Czechia

It’s potentially a huge blow for the Canadian men’s Olympic hockey team as captain Sidney Crosby left the quarterfinal matchup against Czechia early with an apparent lower-body injury.

Here’s what you need to know.

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Sidney Crosby

Crosby left Canada’s bench in the second period after taking a pair of hits along the boards. One of the hits, by Czechia Radko Gudas, knocked Crosby to the ice awkwardly.

Crosby slowly made his way to Canada’s bench to be assessed by trainers before gingerly going down the tunnel. He appeared to be favouring his right leg.

Crosby had 4:41 of ice time over seven shifts before leaving, with Canada trailing Czechia 2-1. Canada later tied the game with a Nathan MacKinnon power play goal.

Crosby was not on the bench at the start of the third period and he will not return in the game.