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Crosby Injury Scare: Canada's Star Cleared to Play

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, February 20th 2026 at 7:09 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: CANADA, UNITED STATES, CHINA

Vancouver, BC - February 20th, 2026 - Sidney Crosby, the legendary captain of Team Canada, briefly sent a wave of anxiety through Canadian fans today after leaving the ice during their preliminary round match against Switzerland at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The incident, occurring midway through the second period, prompted immediate speculation about a potential injury that could derail Canada's gold medal hopes. Thankfully, those fears have been largely alleviated, with Crosby now officially cleared to play in Team Canada's crucial upcoming game against Latvia.

Crosby, a four-time Olympian and three-time gold medalist, momentarily departed the ice favoring what appeared to be his left shoulder. Replays showed a collision with Swiss defenseman Nico Huser during a battle for position in front of the net, but initial assessments suggest the impact was not as serious as initially feared. While the Canadian medical staff immediately attended to Crosby, he appeared to be in relatively good spirits as he headed to the locker room for evaluation.

The immediate concern was understandable. At 38 years old, Crosby remains a pivotal figure for Team Canada, not only for his on-ice skill but also for his unwavering leadership and experience. He's a calming presence in the dressing room, a mentor to younger players, and a consistent performer under pressure - qualities that are invaluable in the high-stakes Olympic environment. Any significant injury to Crosby would have been a devastating blow to Canada's aspirations.

Following a quick assessment, the team confirmed that Crosby sustained a minor upper-body injury and that he underwent precautionary evaluation. The relief was palpable when Head Coach John Tortorella announced to reporters shortly after the Switzerland game that Crosby was cleared to play against Latvia on Saturday. "Sid is a warrior," Tortorella stated. "He's been through everything, and he's a pro. We monitored him closely, and he felt good. He'll be in the lineup tomorrow."

This news is a significant boost for Team Canada, who are looking to reclaim Olympic gold after finishing with silver in the 2022 Beijing Games. Canada has demonstrated strength in the early stages of the tournament, with a dominant win over the United States preceding the match against Switzerland. However, Latvia, led by emerging star defenseman Sandis Smits, presents a formidable challenge. Smits, a projected top-five NHL draft pick, is known for his physicality and offensive prowess, and Crosby's linemates will undoubtedly be tasked with containing him.

The attention now turns to managing Crosby's workload and ensuring he doesn't suffer any further setbacks. The Canadian coaching staff will likely be cautious with his ice time, potentially utilizing a rotating line strategy to keep him fresh throughout the tournament. They will be carefully monitoring him during practice and game situations to assess any potential discomfort.

Crosby's continued presence in the lineup serves as a powerful symbol for Team Canada, inspiring both his teammates and the nation. He is a player who embodies the spirit of Canadian hockey: skill, determination, and sportsmanship. While the incident against Switzerland was a scare, it also highlighted the resilience and dedication of a player who continues to redefine longevity in a physically demanding sport. His ability to bounce back from minor injuries and remain a dominant force is a testament to his commitment to the game and his unwavering pursuit of excellence. The eyes of Canada - and the hockey world - will be firmly fixed on Crosby as he leads Team Canada's pursuit of Olympic glory. The Latvian matchup will be a key test, not only for Crosby personally, but for the entire team's medal ambitions.