Veteran Team Canada star Drew Doughty’s full-circle Olympic experience: From Sidney Crosby’s golden era to Milano Cortina 2026 leadership role

It’s been sixteen years since Drew Doughty first laced up his skates on Olympic ice as a nervous young rookie, and now the veteran defenseman has made his third Olympic appearance at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, likely for the final time, as a leader who will guide the next generation of Canadian stars to gold.Drew Doughty, now 36, is one of the select few NHLers to have competed at three Olympics, bridging the championship team from the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics with the current Canadian Olympic team. His Olympic experience began with a bang as he was part of the team that famously won gold with Sidney Crosby’s historic overtime winner against the United States at the Vancouver Olympics, an experience that has shaped Drew Doughty’s career and confidence.Drew Doughty recalls being a little nervous about taking charge at the Vancouver tournament, but then general manager Steve Yzerman's encouragement and advice marked a turning point in his career, as he would go on to win numerous Stanley Cups, a Norris Trophy, and another Olympic gold medal at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics.“Stevie Y came to me and he was like, ‘Hey, we chose you to be the player that you are, and to play the way that you play back in LA.’ Because when I first started out, I was timid, and I was just always making the simple play, and just trying to give it to these old superstars,” Doughty said. “And from there on out, I went and played the way I always play, and played well, and yeah, the rest is history after that.”Doughty is currently in Milan, where he has taken up a new position as a mentor and has been playing alongside some of the younger players, such as Thomas Harley, teaching them strategy on the ice and building relationships off the ice. Coaches and players alike have praised his ability to stay calm and make good decisions in high-pressure situations. Doughty has made it a point to reach out to the younger members of the team, and he has stressed the importance of having everyday conversations and friendships as part of the equation for short-term tournament success. These Olympics hold special significance for Doughty on a personal level, as it marks the first time he gets to experience the Games with his kids in the stands.