Many individuals recall the moment when Jarome Iginla was urged to pass the puck, the instance when the young sensation scored, and the ensuing celebration.
The nation erupted when 22-year-old Sidney Crosby netted the overtime-winning goal at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. Nearly 16 years later, Crosby considers clinching gold on home turf as one of the pinnacle moments in his illustrious hockey career.
However, Crosby also recollects the heartbreak he felt when Canada, just under 30 seconds away from a regulation victory, conceded the equalizing goal to American forward Zach Parise. The sensation of being so close to his childhood dream in Cole Harbour, N.S., only to see it slip away like sand through his fingers, is likely etched in his memory forever.
Prior to overtime in the locker room, the Canadian players were unsettled. Yet, veteran defenseman Scott Niedermayer remained composed, unwavering in his belief in the team. Head coach Mike Babcock echoed this sentiment, calling for someone to step up, turn the page, and become the hero in overtime.
Crosby’s devastation transformed into determination and intensity. They were on home soil, facing an opportunity they weren’t willing to let slip away, a moment Crosby was prepared to seize.
“That confidence and everyone believing in that, that was pretty clear, I think, heading out for overtime,” Crosby shared with CBC Olympics host Ariel Helwani in an exclusive interview. “I think even as a young guy, I felt that and that was really cool to be a part of, and then to go out there and get it done.”
Host Ariel Helwani asks golden goal scorer Sidney Crosby about if there is anything that the public does not know about his overtime goal at the Vancouver 2010 men’s hockey final.
No longer the youthful “Sid the Kid” at 38, Crosby now has the chance to craft another memorable Olympic moment in Italy come February. Recently, Lululemon revealed the athletes’ kit for the 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, with Crosby appointed as a Team Canada ambassador.
It is highly probable that Crosby will don the captain’s C on his jersey when the Canadian men kick off their campaign against the Czech Republic on Feb. 12. Additionally, it wouldn’t be surprising if he leads the Canadian delegation at the opening ceremony.