MILAN – Walking toward the ice for his first practice with Canada’s Olympic team, Tom Wilson tried to take as many mental pictures as possible.
“There’s just so many moments today that you’ll try and remember, because it’s a dream come true,” the Washington Capitals winger said. “There’s so much pride to pull this jersey on. It’s the best feeling in the world.”
Wilson did not play for Canada at the World Juniors. He never wore the Maple Leaf at the senior World Championship either. He hasn’t played in an IIHF event since the under-17 Worlds in 2011. This opportunity has been a long time coming for Wilson.
The 31-year-old from Toronto planned to reflect on his journey before falling asleep on Sunday.
“Just think about what little Tom back in the day would’ve been dreaming of,” Wilson said. “It’s just so special.”
Adding to the dreamlike feel on Sunday, Wilson skated alongside Edmonton Oilers centre Connor McDavid and San Jose Sharks sophomore sensation Macklin Celebrini during Sunday’s first on-ice session in Milan.
“Two of the best players in the world,” Wilson said. “A lot of skill. A lot of IQ. A lot of speed. Get them the puck and it will be in good hands, and then get to the net.”
Of course, it’s not that simple. McDavid is the fastest player on the planet and that can be an adjustment for new linemates. McDavid initiated a conversation with Wilson midway through practice.
“There’s times where I don’t need to be over where he is because he’s going to catch up,” Wilson noted. “You just talk it out. He’s a very smart player.”
“I’ve known him a while just growing up around Toronto,” said McDavid. “He’s worked hard to put himself in this position and make this team, and he should be very proud of himself.”
Celebrini - McDavid - Wilson pic.twitter.com/NcPTR24nAn
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) February 8, 2026
Wilson is not shy about throwing around his 6-foot-4, 220-pound frame. He leads all Team Canada players with 78 penalty minutes this season.
“He has so much more to his game than just the physicality and toughness he brings,” stressed Celebrini. “It’s his skill and his finishing around the net that is really important.”
Wilson has racked up 23 goals and 49 points in 50 games this season. He’s on pace for a career-high 72 points. “For me, it doesn’t matter where I am, I’m going to try and play my game,” Wilson said of the line assignment. “I’m going to try and do my thing and do whatever it takes for this country.”
Jon Cooper is quick to point out that line combinations are not set in stone.
“If you watch the 4 Nations, the way we started that tournament was not the way it finished,” Canada’s coach said. “Part of our job is to find chemistry and at some point you need to put lines together. A lot goes into communication with the players, their coaches, what helps them, what makes them tick, what they like. The one thing I love about this team is not only are we loaded with skill, but we got a bunch of guys out there [who are] gamers with toughness and size and having that mixture.”
Wilson is one of six new players on the roster from the 4 Nations Face-Off, but already seems to be fitting in. He playfully tapped Brad Marchand on the helmet as he walked by the Florida Panthers winger in the media mixed zone on Sunday.
“Well, first of all, have you met him?” Cooper said when asked about Wilson’s role. “He’s full of life. He’s unbelievable this guy. He just lights up the room when he comes in. He’s extremely positive. He’s really driven. I see why he’s adored in Washington. What a teammate. So pretty fired up to have him. We all know what he can do on the ice, but he may even be better off the ice.”
Team Canada’s players will spend Sunday night in the Olympic Village where they can rub shoulders with other athletes. Wilson, who is rooming with goalie Darcy Kuemper, already congratulated some of the players on Canada’s women’s hockey team for their opening win on Saturday night.
“It’s really fun,” Wilson said. “We walked by one of the Canadian lounges and all the speed skaters were in there watching one of their buddies compete. You learn a lot about where everyone came from and who they’re cheering on and what their sport entails. It’s gotta be one of the best things about the Olympics is being not only a hockey team but a team as a country and pulling for every single person who walks into that Canadian dorm and village together it’s fun.”
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What does Celebrini think about getting the chance to play on a line with McDavid?
“It’s pretty cool,” the 19-year-old said. “Playing with a guy like that. He’s just, I mean, you can’t really put into words the kind of player he is. It’s going to be fun.”
Celebrini is the youngest player at the Olympic tournament. He doesn’t look like it on the ice.
“Young, but he’s such a pro already it seems,” said McDavid. “He plays a very pro game. Just impressed with how he handles everything.”
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In a surprise to no one, Team Canada announced Pittsburgh Penguins centre Sidney Crosby will once again serve as captain.
“It’s a huge honour any time you get to wear this jersey regardless of whether you have a letter or not,” the 38-year-old said. “It’s a big responsibility, a big honour, but pretty fortunate to have some amazing leaders on this team and over the years. We’re all going to help each other. There’s so many guys who are going to lead and everyone has to if we want to have success, but it’s definitely an honour.”
McDavid and Colorado Avalanche defenceman Cale Makar will serve as alternate captains.
Crosby captained Canada to gold at the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, which was the last time NHL stars participated in the Winter Games. It’s been a long wait to get back to this stage. So, what did Sunday feel like?
“It’s great,” Crosby said. “A lot of anticipation so nice to just to get out there and play and start to go over things. You can prepare on paper and all that stuff and do video, but just fun to get out there. It’s a great group and we got to start becoming a team here.”
Crosby is comfortable with the captaincy role, but neck guards are a different story. The IIHF mandates all players wear them and Crosby was among the many guys fidgeting with the piece of equipment during Sunday’s practice.
“It’s a little different,” he said while looking down at the neck guard in his hands. “Going to try some different ones here the next few days and figure out what I’m comfortable with. The good thing is we have some practices so, yeah, I’ll figure it out over the next few days.”
Canada is scheduled to hold two more practices before opening the tournament against Czechia on Thursday.
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Team Canada lines at Sunday’s practice:
Celebrini - McDavid - Wilson
Marchand - MacKinnon - Suzuki
Stone - Crosby - Marner
Hagel - Horvat - Reinhart
Jarvis, Bennett
Toews - Makar
Morrissey - Parayko
Theodore - Sanheim
Harley - Doughty
Binnington
Kuemper
Thompson
Team Canada power play units at Sunday’s practice:
QB: Makar
Flanks: McDavid, MacKinnon
Bumper: Reinhart
Down low: Crosby
QB: Theodore
Flanks: Celebrini, Marner
Bumper: Horvat
Net front: Stone
