TORONTO When Sidney Crosby is asked about his legacy, especially on the international stage, he skillfully avoids talking about personal accomplishments, much like he weaves through opponents on the ice. But his Canadian teammates are much more direct when discussing his leadership.

"He's Captain Canada, " said Cale Makar, defenseman for the Colorado Avalanche.

At 37 years old, Crosby is undeniably one of the most decorated Canadian hockey players in history. Hailing from Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, he has secured gold medals with Team Canada at several prestigious events: the 2005 IIHF World Junior Championship, the 2010 and 2014 Olympics, the 2015 IIHF World Hockey Championship, and the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.

Crosbys presence in international competitions is nothing short of remarkable: Canada has won 25 consecutive games in tournament play with him in the lineup, a streak that dates back to a loss to the United States in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.

Despite his unmatched success, Crosby doesnt focus on his personal achievements. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of team. When you put on that jersey, you think about team first, he said. And you think about representing your country.

For Crosby, playing for Team Canada means honoring the countrys history and tradition. He reflects on iconic moments like Paul Hendersons series-clinching goal in 1972 and Mario Lemieuxs iconic goal in the 1987 Canada Cup final. But Crosby stresses the essence of Canadian hockey: The biggest strength of Canada has always been their ability to play as a group. When you put a lot of great players together, you have to find a way to come together.

This attitude makes Crosby the natural choice to wear the "C" at the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off. The tournament, featuring the top teams from Canada, the United States, Sweden https://www.iihfworldchampionship.com/collections/team-sweden-gustav-forsling-jersey, and Finland, will take place in Montreal and Boston from February 12-20.

Crosbys leadership is evident not only through his poise and performance in big moments but also in how he conducts himself off the ice. "He rises to the occasion, " said Vancouver Canucks coach Rick Tocchet, a Team Canada assistant. He does something monumental like scoring the Golden Goal in 2010, and you never hear him talk about it. Thats Sid. And thats why hes such a great leader.

Tocchet, who was part of the 1987 Canada Cup team alongside legends like Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux, is in awe of Crosbys impact on Canadian hockey. He compared Crosbys leadership to that of Gretzky and Mark Messier. Sidney has that ability to step up and address the team when needed, Tocchet said. "Hes willing to speak up when things arent right, and thats true leadership."

Patrice Bergeron, who shares a long history with Crosby, agrees. The two were roommates during Canadas World Juniors gold medal win in 2005 and teammates during Olympic victories in 2010 and 2014. Bergeron, now retired, believes Crosbys drive and commitment to improving are key to his sustained excellence. From the time I first met him, its just the way he always looks to raise the bar, said Bergeron. He never stops striving for more.

Crosbys humble approach to his accomplishments only adds to his leadership. When asked about his famous overtime goal in the 2010 Olympics, Crosby downplays its significance, instead giving credit to Paul Hendersons goal in 1972, which he believes had a greater historical impact.

Henderson himself holds Crosby in high regard. At 82, he sees Crosby as a Canadian icon, ranking him among the greatest players to represent the nation. Hes definitely in the top five Noah Hanifin 4NF Jersey, maybe the best when it comes to longevity and accomplishments for Canada, Henderson said. He has character, and thats something every Canadian can be proud of.

Crosbys leadership extends beyond his own play. In September, he organized a training camp with some of Canadas top players, including Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon. Although Crosby insists it wasnt an official Team Canada event, it allowed players to build chemistry ahead of the 4 Nations tournament. It was great, said Mitch Marner, who attended the camp. You get to know Sid and the other guys on and off the ice.

This focus on team-building and leadership is also reflected in Crosbys actions off the ice. Tampa Bay Lightning coach Jon Cooper recalled a moment when Crosby, despite his frustration over a loss to the Lightning, took time to speak with future 4 Nations teammates about the upcoming tournament. Thats what true leadership is, Cooper said.

Crosby continues to inspire with his selflessness, making him the perfect captain for Canada at the 4 Nations. As Tocchet puts it, Crosby is the kind of leader who carries the torch and is willing to pass it on to future generations.

For Crosby, its all about putting the team first, and thats why his leadership on Team Canada remains unmatched.









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