So That’s Why He’s Been Skating; Crosby Joins Team Canada

The Pittsburgh Penguins’ season ended last month with no playoff spot, but team captain Sidney Crosby will keep playing. Hockey Canada announced Sunday that it had added Crosby to its roster for the IIHF World Championship.

With games mostly in Stockholm, Sweden, the worlds begin Friday and run through May 25. Canada’s first game is Saturday against Slovenia. You can see the worlds schedule here.

Crosby, 37,  joins a Team Canada roster overseen by Penguins president of hockey operations/general manager Kyle Dubas, who is serving as the Team Canada GM.

It will be Crosby’s first time playing in the worlds since 2015, although he played for Team Canada recently, helping his native country win the 4 Nations Face-Off in February. That was a tournament arranged by the NHL held in lieu of an All-Star game.

He has a rich history in international play, including two Olympic gold medals. He scored the so-called Golden Goal in overtime at the 2010 Vancouver Games to clinch the gold medal in the title game against the United States.

Crosby said just after the season ended that he would take some time before deciding whether to play for Team Canada. He since has been seen practicing at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex with a few injured players.