As Canada prepares to face the United States in the gold-medal hockey match at the Milan Cortina Olympics on Sunday, defenseman Josh Morrissey will not be available, and the participation of captain Sidney Crosby remains uncertain. Morrissey exited early in Canada’s opening group-stage victory over Czechia due to an undisclosed injury and has not returned to play since.
Crosby suffered a right leg injury during Wednesday’s tense 4-3 overtime quarterfinal triumph against the Czech team. The 38-year-old took part in practice on Saturday, although his ability to compete in the final is still under evaluation.
Coach Cooper Confirms Morrissey’s Absence and Updates on Crosby’s Status
Canada’s head coach Jon Cooper informed reporters following Saturday’s practice that Morrissey, 30, will be sidelined. Morrissey also missed last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off championship match against the United States in Boston due to illness. Regarding Morrissey’s absence, Cooper stated,
“We want Josh in this game, he helps us with puck moving and everything he does, but in the end if you’re not physically able to do it,”
Cooper said.
“… The one selfless thing about this team, and the way I’ve watched these players … when it comes to the flag, no one is getting in the way of it. If they’re incapable of giving what they think is optimal effort, they don’t want to put the country in harm, they understand what we have here.”
Cooper also commented on Crosby’s condition and upcoming decision, explaining,
“We’ll see. I watched him skate today,”
Cooper said.
“I haven’t spoken to him yet. We’re going to meet tonight and have a determination of what’s going to happen tomorrow. He won’t put himself in harm’s way. He’s not going to put the team in harm’s way.”
“Obviously we’d love to have him, but that determination will be made tonight.”
Sidney Crosby’s Impact and Olympic History at Stake
Crosby aims to guide Canada to its first Olympic gold medal since the 2014 Sochi Games, which were the last Olympics to feature NHL players. The United States, Canada’s opponent for gold, has not won Olympic hockey since their famed 1980 “Miracle on Ice” victory in Lake Placid, New York. Crosby has been instrumental in this tournament, recording six points—two goals and four assists—across four games.
The final game will test Canada’s resilience and skill amid roster challenges, with both Crosby’s participation and Morrissey’s absence likely to influence game strategies and outcomes.
