In a memorable encounter during the preliminary round of the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics, Sidney Crosby of Canada not only showcased his scoring abilities but also displayed his sportsmanship. After leading Canada to a decisive 10-2 victory over France, he surprised French goaltender Julian Junca by gifting him one of his sticks in celebration of Junca’s 28th birthday. This gesture was reported by Le Journal de Montréal, highlighting the camaraderie among players despite the competitive nature of the tournament.
Crosby was among the six Canadian players who found the back of the net against Junca, who made 27 saves on 33 shots before being replaced by his backup, Antoine Keller. Reflecting on the game, Junca commented on the nature of Crosby’s goal, suggesting it wasn’t the most pleasant way to concede, as the Penguins captain had deflected the puck in off a French player. This matchup isn’t unfamiliar for the two, as they also faced off during the IIHF World Championships in May.
Throughout the preliminary rounds, Junca and the French team faced significant challenges, getting outscored 20-5 over three games. However, they still have an opportunity to advance in the tournament, with a qualification match against Germany, featuring star player Leon Draisaitl, set to take place shortly after their match against Canada.
Later in the day, additional Penguins players, including Rickard Rakell and Erik Karlsson, are set to compete against Latvia. Meanwhile, Crosby and the rest of Team Canada will prepare for their quarterfinal matchup, scheduled for Wednesday morning.
As the competition progresses, these moments of kindness and sportsmanship remind fans of the spirit of international hockey, emphasizing that beyond the scores and rivalries, players often share mutual respect and celebrate each other’s milestones.