Crosby made his NHL debut at the age of 18 in 2005 and three years later he was part of the historic premiere when NHL series games were played in Sweden for the first time. That time, Pittsburgh played two games against Ottawa in what was then called Globen.
He participated in the World Cup in Stockholm this spring, but with the club team it is the first time on Swedish soil in 17 years.
"I've played in a few World Cups and it's fun to see how proud people are of their national teams. I think people here appreciate being able to watch NHL games up close. The passion for the sport is great here and it's fun," says Crosby.
Selected for the Olympics
One of ice hockey's biggest profiles in history will also play in the Olympics in Milan in February.
He already has two Olympic gold medals, the most recent in Sochi 2014, after a final victory over Sweden.
"I'm very happy to have the opportunity to play in another Olympics," said Crosby, who recently reached 1,700 career points.
He is the ninth player to reach that level and the fourth to do so on the same team.
“Make something out of nothing”
However, the next two games against Nashville in Stockholm (Friday and Sunday) await, which will be the 18th and 19th NHL games on Swedish soil in years. He is delighted that teammate Erik Karlsson will be playing in his homeland – and praises the creative defenseman.
He's a special player, he can make something out of nothing and it's incredibly fun to play with him. For people here to see him up close, with everything he can do, and with the career he's had...it means a lot to him to play here.
