Team Canada has successfully completed their first practice session for the 4Nations Face-Off tournament. Edmonton Oilers’ captain Connor McDavid was in the first lineup with Mitch Marner & Sam Reinhart. It was a successful session before Canada faces Sweden for their first 4Nations match in Montreal scheduled on February 12. The team is also coming with positive news on Sidney Crosby’s return from injury.

With excitement and high hopes for the team, McDavid felt the practice session went exceptionally well, exceeding his expectations. He acknowledged that players were coming from different situations but adapted quickly. In his post-practice interview, McDavid spoke about practicing with skilled players and reflected on Crosby’s recovery from injury and his return to the ice.

“It matters to everybody in here. Drew, the same thing. He could have easily turned it down coming off of his injury, and you saw what it means to him just in his comments—how hard he was pushing to get back trying to make the team and everything like that. So obviously, it means a lot to Sid. It means a lot to everybody here. It’s an exciting tournament. It’s an exciting time to be a part of this group, and it’s fun to be out there.”

Even before being selected for the team, McDavid was eager to play alongside Sidney Crosby. In one of his interviews in October, the Oilers player shared his feelings and the excitement coming in.

“I’m really excited. Playing against him all these years, it’ll be much better playing with him. Just to see the best players in the world going head to head and being able to play with some of them, that’s what it’s all about. So, just really excited as players, and I think for fans too for what they’re going to see.”

Sidney’s comeback has been a success for Team Canada as they prepare for their first 4Nations match. The Pittsburgh Penguins captain shared further updates on his return.

Sidney Crosby returns for Team Canada

37-year-old Crosby participated in Team Canada’s first practice on Monday. He was in the presence of his teammates practicing for the match. He has returned to the field after overcoming an injury from last Tuesday’s match against the New Jersey Devils. Following the team’s practice session, Crosby provided updates for fans, addressing questions about his injury and availability for Team Canada.

In an early third-period shootout loss to the New Jersey Devils, Sidney Crosby’s left arm was pinned between the opponent players, including Luke Hughes and Erik Haula. The results didn’t end up well with the three-time Stanley Cup champion suffering from an upper-body injury that cost him a two-game loss.

Speaking on his participation with Team Canada, he also mentioned his recovery and how he is working hard to compete at the same level as his other teammates. “This is an awesome opportunity, something I haven’t done in a long time. I wanted to be part of this group and also wanted to make sure that I can play at the level that you need.”

Sidney Crosby has been a key figure for Team Canada, having led them to gold medals in the 2010 and 2014 Olympics, as well as a victory in the 2016 World Cup. Carrying a highlighting career under him, the Pittsburgh Penguins captain’s return comes with questions on his credibility for now.