Crosby presents Team France goalie stick after matchup at 2026 Olympics
MILAN — In French, it is known as a “bâton.” In English, it is a stick. Regardless of the language barrier, among the best tales of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 includes a present to a France goalie from Sidney Crosby.
While ready within the handshake line after his nation’s 10-2 loss to Canada at Santagiulia Arena on Sunday, Julian Junca labored up the braveness to ask the Canada captain a query.
“I asked him for his stick,” Junca stated. “I used to be uncomfortable at first as a result of I had simply confronted him. But I used to be decided to ask for it. And it was no downside for him in any respect.
“In fact he brought it right into our dressing room. Imagine that! It was honestly an incredible moment. That shows how classy he is.”
Crosby then signed his stick and gave it to Junca.
The incontrovertible fact that Junca was celebrating his twenty eighth birthday on the day (Feb. 15) of the sport between “Les Bleus” and Canada didn’t result in a celebration on the ice for the France goalie. His workday ended after two durations, having allowed six objectives whereas going through 33 photographs from the Canadian superstars.
As destiny would have it, Crosby scored the sixth and remaining aim towards Junca late within the second interval.
But when Junca recollects his sport towards Canada down the street he will not speak in regards to the six objectives he gave up, just like the one Crosby scored on him. He’ll bear in mind No. 87’s generosity.
“Crosby represents hockey in general,” Junca stated. “He has demonstrated resilience with all that he has experienced over the years. Even at his age (38), he still wants to be the best on the ice. He continues to show the way for young hockey players. He makes them dream and get to know hockey. When you say ‘Crosby’ in France, he’s not widely known. The people who follow hockey know him and he means a lot to us.”
At first, the French goalie didn’t wish to publicize his second. He acknowledged that within the blended zone after France was eradicated following the 5-1 loss to Germany.
“They made me talk about it,” Junca stated with a smile. “Now I just hope the stick makes it home and it doesn’t get stolen! This story needed to be told.”
The France communications workforce streamed a video on social media of Junca speaking about his large second with Crosby the day after the sport towards Canada.
