Articles / Why Arniel's 'single biggest worry' involves his top players at Olympics

Why Arniel's 'single biggest worry' involves his top players at Olympics

S
Sportsnet
Dec 10, 2025 4:17 PM

Summary: This is a summary of an article originally published by Sportsnet. Read the full original article here →

In the lead-up to the Olympics, the focus for Team Canada coach Brad Arniel is on getting his top players to showcase their abilities on the world stage. As he prepares the squad, Arniel acknowledges a heavy reliance on key players like Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby, both of whom have a history of performing exceptionally in international competitions.

Arniel has expressed concern over the potential pressure these athletes might face, especially considering the expectations that come with wearing the Canadian jersey. He believes that for Canada to secure a gold medal, it is vital that McDavid and Crosby not only perform well individually but also inspire their teammates to reach higher levels of play.

Additionally, the coach is excited about the talent depth within the roster, which features a mix of experienced stars and emerging young talent. Arniel's ambition is to create a balanced team that thrives not only on individual talent but also on collaboration and teamwork. Their journey will be closely watched as they approach the critical games in the tournament, where every moment counts.

As the players get ready, Arniel is hopeful that the combination of experience from veterans and the energy from fresh faces will contribute to a competitive and successful Olympic run for Team Canada.