Mitch Marner recently shared his deep admiration and gratitude for being Olympic teammates with Sidney Crosby. Calling the upcoming experience a career highlight, Marner praised Crosby for his leadership and character on and off the ice.
Crosby and Marner will represent Team Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics. This marks the first Olympics since 2014 to feature NHL players, following an agreement between the league and the NHLPA to allow participation.
Hockey fans were given a small preview of what they can expect during last year’s NHL 4 Nations tournament. The unique event replaced the All Star and earned praise for its entertaining and competitive matchups. Canada defeated Team USA in the finals after a thrilling overtime finish.
Marner had the chance to play alongside Crosby during the tournament, which he considers a fond moment in his career. The Vegas Golden Knights forward said he spent some time training with the three-time Stanley Cup champion and expressed gratitude for the knowledge he gained.
Mitch Marner Says Being Sidney Crosby’s Olympic Teammate is Special
Mitch Marner said that being Sidney Crosby’s teammate for the upcoming Olympics is special. Crosby entered the NHL in after being drafted in 2005, while Marner was drafted in 2015, joining the league the following season.
While Marner was growing up, Crosby was among the top players in the NHL. Because of that, the Golden Knights forward witnessed some of the Pittsburgh Penguins captain’s biggest career milestones as a fan.
Now, years later, Marner, among the top playmaking wingers in the NHL, gets a chance to represent Canada alongside Crosby.
“Pretty special [playing with Crosby]. I’ve fortunate enough to do some summer skates with him and some weekends with him, where you can just sit there and watch what he does,” Marner said during an interview with CBC Sports. “His work ethic, his effort he puts into everything, it’s just high-end. And, I mean, the craziest thing about it is just how awesome of a human being he is.”
He added:
“[Crosby is] so kind. It doesn’t matter who you are, where you’re from, he’s the most kind human being of all time,” Marner said. “He’s always looking to try to help out anyone he can. It’s just pretty special to be a part of a team that he’s on. And like I said, a lot of us grew up watching [him]. So yeah, it’s a pretty special moment.”
Marner Recalls Surreal Experience Representing Team Canada with Crosby at NHL 4 Nations
Being Olympic teammates with Crosby won’t be the first surreal experience for Marner. He previously reflected on his time at the NHL 4 Nations tournament.
During Canada’s game against Sweden, Marner scored the overtime-winning goal, which was assisted by none other than Crosby. After the game, Marner said the moment was even more memorable for his family, as that had grown up idolizing the Penguins captain.
“[My dad] is gonna be pumped as [expletive] that’s for sure,” Marner told reporters. “Ever since day one, like I’ve spoken about all week, 87 is all I wore growing up, it’s all I cheered for. Yeah, it’s a really cool, surreal, pinch-me moment there, for sure.”
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