Listen to this article
Estimated 4 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
Connor McDavid’s sole objective as he gets ready to represent Canada at the Olympic hockey tournament is to secure a gold medal.
The captain of the Edmonton Oilers is not preoccupied with crafting memorable instances or his specific position within the team.
“My singular focus is on winning a gold medal; nothing else holds greater importance,” he stated this past Wednesday. “Our squad comprises many exceptional athletes. Each individual will contribute and fulfill a specific function. The ultimate aim is simply to achieve gold, end of story.”
Several of Canada’s legendary Olympic hockey achievements have made a lasting impression on the celebrated center.
“I have a faint recollection of the 2002 event in Salt Lake City,” McDavid commented, recalling his age of five then. “I recall the entire narrative surrounding the loonie embedded in the ice. Reflecting on it, that was quite an engaging tale.”
“Naturally, the Sid Crosby moment from 2010 also comes to mind. I remember that particular instance quite vividly.”
Nineteen-year-old Macklin Celebrini will join Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon on the Canadian men’s Olympic hockey team, as NHLers return to the Winter Games for the first time in more than a decade.
Sidney Crosby and his fellow National Hockey League athletes have not participated in the Olympics subsequent to the 2014 Games held in Sochi, Russia. The upcoming Milano Cortina Games will signify McDavid’s inaugural appearance in the competition.
Nevertheless, securing an opportunity to compete on the international platform was by no means guaranteed.
‘Preparing for Action’
“One always speculates. You can never be certain if such a chance will arise,” McDavid expressed. “However, clearly, the moment is here. We are making our preparations and readying ourselves for departure. I am genuinely enthusiastic about this prospect.”
Competing against the elite global talent offers a distinct advantage for top-tier players, according to Oilers’ head coach Kris Knoblauch.
“Regardless if it’s Leon Draisaitl, McDavid, or any other participant in that championship, I believe such athletes thrive on that heightened level of rivalry,” he observed. “This phenomenon is evident during the playoffs. They appreciate it when the pressure is amplified. And in this context, representing one’s nation in a tournament, I presume it will be an experience they deeply value.”
The extent of McDavid’s Olympic involvement is yet to be determined.
He remains uncertain if he will participate in the inaugural ceremonies or have the chance to witness other competitions.
“While it is indeed the Olympic Games, ultimately, it functions as a hockey competition. Our purpose there is to play hockey and to fulfill our duties,” he stated.
“It would be interesting to explore the host city and get a feel for its atmosphere. I believe this year’s events are quite dispersed geographically, which could lead to a somewhat distinct experience. Nonetheless, our primary objective is to compete in a hockey tournament and emerge victorious.”
The Oilers, holding a record of 27-19-8, have four more matches before the Olympic hiatus, commencing this Thursday with a home game against the San Jose Sharks.
This season has proven to be another outstanding one for McDavid, who currently tops both his team and the entire league in points, accumulating 33 goals and 59 assists across 54 games.
The impending Olympic event influenced the preparation routines for McDavid and numerous other NHL athletes for this season, with the Oilers’ prominent player conceding that the Games have occupied his mind for an extended period.
“Heading into the summer, one understands the necessity of significant summer training and a strong year. You must engage in substantial hockey play and ensure you are prepared for what promises to be an excellent competition,” he explained.
“I am certainly enthusiastic about it; it occupies my thoughts considerably these days, without a doubt. And I am eager to commence.”
McDavid, alongside the remainder of the Canadian men’s national hockey squad, is scheduled to start their competition on February 12th, facing Czechia.
