Drake Batherson Voices National Hope for Sidney Crosby's Olympic Comeback
Ottawa Senators winger Drake Batherson has revealed that the entire nation of Canada is collectively hoping for Sidney Crosby's return to the ice for Sunday's gold medal showdown at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan, Italy. As a summer training partner of Crosby, Batherson emphasized that the Canadian Olympic team captain will make the decision that best serves the squad in their critical match against the United States.
Crosby's Injury Status Creates Uncertainty for Final
Sidney Crosby sustained a lower-body injury during Canada's quarterfinal victory against the Czech Republic last Wednesday, forcing him to leave the game early. The legendary forward missed Friday's semifinal contest versus Finland and remains a game-time decision for the highly anticipated gold medal clash. At 38 years old, this likely represents Crosby's final opportunity to compete for Olympic gold, adding significant emotional weight to his potential participation.
"He'd want to be doing anything he can to be out there," Batherson stated following the Senators' practice session at Canadian Tire Centre on Saturday. "Depending on what the injury is, you don't want to risk it for the rest of the year. Knowing Sid and how much this game means for him, he would want to be out there. We're all praying that he's going to be back Sunday and able to play."
National Anticipation Builds for Hockey Icon's Decision
Batherson, who trains alongside Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche, and Brad Marchand of the Florida Panthers during offseason sessions near Halifax, expressed confidence that Canada's captain will prioritize the team's needs above personal ambition. The winger noted that Crosby's legendary competitive spirit would naturally drive him toward participation, but practical considerations about his health and ability to contribute effectively will ultimately guide the decision.
"Everybody across the country wants to see him out there playing for a gold medal," Batherson emphasized, capturing the sentiment of Canadian hockey fans nationwide. "He's a huge part of that team, and everybody wants to see him come back. Hopefully, he'll be OK to go in the morning because it would be fun to see him out there."
Crosby's Legacy and the Stakes of Sunday's Game
Sidney Crosby scored the iconic "Golden Goal" in Canada's overtime victory against the United States at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, cementing his status as a national hockey hero. Despite his age, he remains one of the National Hockey League's elite performers, making his potential absence from Sunday's championship game particularly significant for both teams.
Batherson believes Crosby won't dress if he cannot meaningfully contribute, recognizing that Canada needs every player performing at their peak to defeat an American squad seeking redemption after losing to Canada in last year's 4 Nations Face-Off tournament final in Boston. The Senators forward has gained valuable insight from training with Crosby and other NHL stars, observing their championship mentality firsthand.
"Those guys treat every day and every game like it's as big as Sunday's game," Batherson explained. "They're just naturally huge competitors, and they want to win. All three of them have won the Stanley Cup. Sid's the only one of three that has won gold in the Olympics, but the other two guys have a lot of experience in these kinds of games."
As the hockey world awaits Crosby's decision, Batherson's comments reflect the collective hope of a nation that one of its greatest athletes will have one more opportunity to compete for Olympic glory on the international stage.
