Penguins superstar Sidney Crosby to join Canada for upcoming world championship

CALGARY - Pittsburgh Penguins superstar Sidney Crosby has been added to Canada's roster for the upcoming world hockey championship, giving the Canadian team a huge boost as it seeks to win its first gold medal since 2007.

Crosby became available after the New York Rangers beat Pittsburgh in five games in their first-round NHL playoff series.

The native of Cole Harbour, N.S., led the Penguins with 84 points (28 goals, 56 assists) in 77 games this season.

He added two goals and two assists in five playoff games.

Crosby has represented Canada seven times over his career, most notably at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.

Crosby served as team captain in Vancouver and scored the game-winning goal against the U.S. in the gold-medal final.