Team Canada is now practicing for the Olympics on the ice, and they have shown who they plan to use for their forward lines.
Last year during the 4 Nations Faceoff, Canada was always changing their lines, so it is likely that there will be some adjustments as the tournament goes on. It’s still exciting to see the combinations they have started with.
Team Canada shares chosen lines during first practice of the Olympics
According to people watching the practice, Canada plans to use these forward lines:
Connor McDavid will be the center for the first line, with Macklin Celebrini and Tom Wilson playing on the sides. Celebrini will be an excellent player for making plays and shooting, while Wilson will bring a strong presence near the net for the team.
First line rushes.
Celebrini McDavid Wilson
Suzuki MacKinnon Marchand
Stone Crosby Marner
Hagel Horvat Reinhart
Bennett Jarvis— Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) February 8, 2026
Nathan MacKinnon will lead the second line with Nick Suzuki and Brad Marchand playing on the wings. Once again, there’s a top center along with skilled players who can also play tough.
Sidney Crosby will be the center for the third line, which sounds amazing. He will have Mark Stone and Mitch Marner on his sides, both of whom are good at both offensive and defensive play.
The fourth line will focus more on being tough and playing defensively. Bo Horvat will be the center for Brandon Hagel and Sam Reinhart. Sam Bennett and Seth Jarvis will be on standby as extras.
Canada is also expected to have these defense pairs:
Toews Makar
Morrissey Parayko
Doughty Harley
Theodore Sanheim— Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) February 8, 2026
By having tough players on every line, Canada seems to be going back to their style of hard play as part of their identity. During the 4 Nations tournament, they were not shy about standing up against any rough play.
The Canadian men’s team will have their first match on February 12th, which means they have a few more days to practice and get their game plan right.
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