‘Way bigger than us’: Canadian men’s hockey team thankful for support back home

MILAN – Tom Wilson remembers the TV being wheeled into his classroom at school.

A kid with dreams of hockey stardom growing up in Toronto, he watched intently each time Canada went for hockey gold at the Olympics.

That will be the 31-year-old’s own reality Sunday against the United States. Wilson and his teammates at the Milan Cortina Games are also fully aware of the support — similar to their own vivid memories — back home.

“It’s not that long ago that you were the kid in the classroom,” the hulking winger said Saturday following the country’s final practice in Italy. “You put the antennas up so you can get the signal and watch Team Canada play.

“That’s why we’re here. We’re here for our country. We’re here to try and make them proud.”

Videos of jersey-clad kids at schools, office watch parties and gatherings at neighbourhood pubs from coast-to-coast-to-coast have been posted on social media throughout the tournament.

Canada’s thrilling 4-3 overtime victory in the quarterfinals and nail-biting 3-2 win in the semis had the country on the edge of its seat.

And then off it in collective moments of euphoria.

“It’s great,” said superstar centre Connor McDavid. “Everybody can relate to being that kid watching those games at school … that’s awesome.”

Macklin Celebrini, the youngest player in the tournament at age 19, was exactly that kid not all that long ago.

“Watching on TV, rooting for Canada, cheering,” he said. “To be able to contribute to those memories (for) those kids that are looking up to us is pretty cool.”

Fellow forward Nick Suzuki has seen the celebrations during some of his downtime at the Winter Games.

“It’s awesome,” he said. “Missing class to watch the games … those are the best times as kids. It’s really cool to see all the support back home.

“Hopefully, we can get it done for them.”

Canadian head coach Jon Cooper said all the positive vibes are appreciated, but some of the scenes across the Atlantic Ocean hit different.

“The ones that get you are the kids,” he said. “When you’re in it, you’re not realizing everybody around you and how important it is to them. And I think that is healthy for us, to be able to see stuff and how much people care. Because I remember when I was their age, I cared that much. It’s probably been a big reason why I’m standing here today. 

“It’s just a reality check, and it just makes you proud.”

Now it’s all about finishing the job.

“It’s not about us,” Wilson said. “If you ask every single guy in that room, it’s way bigger than us. All I can do, all we can do at this point, is just leave it all out there for our country.”

CRASH AND BASH

McDavid was asked about Canada’s newly-formed “Chaos Line” of Brad Marchand, Sam Bennett and Tom Wilson, who were put together in the semifinal against Finland before helping to provide the 2-2 goal midway through Friday’s third period.

“Pretty fun to see them all three together,” McDavid said with a grin. “Like … how much money, millions of NHL fines, they contributed altogether as a line. Pretty funny line. But provided a massive goal. 

“Ultimately, I think it was they who shifted the game. Truthfully.”

FAMILY LORE

U.S. forward Brock Nelson is looking to make it quadruple gold for his family in Italy.

His uncle, Dave Christian, was part of the “Miracle on Ice” team in 1980 — the last time the Americans topped the podium.

Nelson’s grandfather, Bill Christian, and great uncle, Roger Christian, played on the 1960 squad that won the country’s first hockey gold at the Games.

“It means a lot,” Nelson said. “Try not to think too much on it. Just fortunate to be in this spot. Thankful for my family. They’ve been a great support system for me forever. My grandfather getting me into the game at a young age and helping me skate … my uncle being a great role model.

“It’s super special to have the opportunity.”

SID’S IMPACT

Canadian captain Sidney Crosby is a question mark for the final with a lower-body injury.

The 38-year-old centre was hurt in the quarterfinals and sat out Friday’s victory.

Crosby will be a game-time decision Sunday, but his impact on Canada’s roster runs deep.

“His leadership, his compassion … all the stuff off ice that you hear about now,” Celebrini said of what stands out the most. “We don’t have to talk about his on-ice because that speaks for itself, but the kind of person he is, the way he treats people. He’s just one of the guys who wants to be around all of us. 

“Every guy in this locker room looks up to him.”

-With files from Daniel Rainbird in Milan.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 21, 2026.