Nathan MacKinnon makes his emotions identified about taking part in for Crew Canada on the 2026 Olympics

Colorado Avalanche celebrity Nathan MacKinnon opened up in regards to the expertise of taking part in for Crew Canada on the 2026 Olympics.

A clip revealed on August 31 on X confirmed the previous Hart Trophy winner talking at Crew Canada’s Olympic orientation camp final week. Within the clip, MacKinnon made his emotions identified about what it’s like taking part in for his house nation.

He said:

“Yeah, it is one thing I’ve by no means skilled till the 4 Nations, simply the entire nation rooting for you. However there’s lots of strain as nicely. I imply, for us, it is chilly or sturdy, which is a good feeling.”

The feedback underscore the singular expertise this era of NHLers will undergo on the 2026 Olympics in Milano-Cortina. It’s been greater than a decade since professional gamers took half within the Olympics. The final time the league agreed to ship gamers was again in the course of the 2014 Video games in Sochi, Russia.

Now, Nathan MacKinnon and his teammates will reside a singular expertise as all the nation of Canada roots for its hometown heroes. That scenario prompted MacKinnon to conclude:

“I imply, that is form of our expectations as athletes, is to be the perfect, and to win. So it is thrilling and excited to really feel that strain.”

There will definitely be strain on Crew Canada to reprise its gold medal efficiency from 2014. Within the two Olympiads since, Russia seize gold in 2018 with Finland in 2022.

Now that NHLers will likely be again within the combine, Nathan MacKinnon and Crew Canada can have extra strain than ever to convey house the gold.

Nathan MacKinnon “jittery” throughout first observe at 4 Nations Face-Off

For Nathan MacKinnon, like just about everybody in Crew Canada’s lineup in the course of the 4 Nations Face-Off, taking part in for his or her house nation was a brand new expertise. It was the primary time MacKinnon performed for Jon Cooper as a substitute of dealing with him.

However as NHL.com described in an August 28 piece, Nathan MacKinnon was just a little “jittery” throughout his first encounter with Cooper on the ice.

The piece described how MacKinnon was confused with Cooper’s system. He didn’t know the drills, workout routines, and performs. The terminology was completely different, and so was the chatter.

That scenario led MacKinnon to be frightened of messing up and disappointing his new coach. However as everybody noticed on the ice, that didn’t occur. MacKinnon had an amazing 4 Nations tourney. He captured the event MVP award whereas main the best way in scoring.

This time round, Nathan MacKinnon will likely be far more accustomed to Jon Cooper and teammates. Until there’s a sudden shift within the group’s make-up, MacKinnon will get an opportunity to steer Crew Canada in direction of one other Olympic gold medal.