Macklin Celebrini Makes Olympic Debut with Team Canada in Milan

Macklin Celebrini, the youngest player in the NHL, is set to make his Olympic debut as part of Team Canada in Milan. Following his arrival in Italy over the weekend, Celebrini immediately joined the top line alongside prominent players such as Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid and Washington Capitals winger Tom Wilson. Canada’s first match is scheduled against Czechia on February 15, 2024, at 07:30 a.m. PST.

“It’s fun. It’s great,” Celebrini shared with reporters after practice on Sunday. “I think we’ve got to get a little chemistry, but it is super cool.” The inclusion of the 19-year-old in such a prominent role underscores his rapid ascension in the sport. Initially, it was assumed that Celebrini’s selection for the Olympic team would primarily serve as experience for future tournaments, particularly the 2030 Olympics in France. Yet, his current performance suggests he is ready for the spotlight now.

In addition to skating with McDavid, Celebrini has been practicing on Canada’s second power play unit, featuring other notable players like Bo Horvat of the New York Islanders, Mitch Marner, Mark Stone, and Shea Theodore of the Vegas Golden Knights. “I think Macklin Celebrini can play on any line and have success, as could Connor McDavid,” remarked Team Canada coach Jon Cooper. He added, “There are so many things that go into this, and that’s why it’s tough to answer these questions on the first day of practice, because you have to start somewhere.”

Celebrini’s impressive performance throughout the NHL season has solidified his place among elite players. He entered the Olympic break ranked fourth in scoring with 81 points, making him the highest-scoring teenager after 55 games since Sidney Crosby achieved 91 points during the 2006-07 season. His contributions account for over 47% of the San Jose Sharks’ 171 goals this season, playing a pivotal role in keeping the team in playoff contention despite a recent four-game losing streak.

Cooper noted, “This is the first practice on the first day of the tournament, but if he’s shown anything to all of us in his NHL year, he’s a pretty special player.” The coach acknowledged that several media members are already speculating about Celebrini being a finalist for the Hart Trophy, awarded to the player deemed most valuable to their team.

Following the match against Czechia, Canada will face Switzerland on February 16 and France on February 18. The quarterfinals are set for February 20, 2024, with the semifinals two days later. The Bronze Medal game will take place on February 23, followed by the Gold Medal game on February 24.

McDavid praised Celebrini’s work ethic, stating, “I’ve only been around him a little bit, but even just that little bit of being around him, I can tell how much he puts into it, how hard he works, how much he cares about it.” He emphasized the significance of Celebrini’s role on the team, considering the immense expectations placed on Canada to secure gold.

Canada has a storied history in Olympic hockey, having previously won gold in 2002, 2010, and 2014, the last year NHL players participated. Celebrini, who represented Canada at the 2024 World Junior Championship, understands the weight of these expectations. “There’s a lot of expectations on us to win,” he expressed. “That is the only expectation, is that we come home with the gold.”

In addition to Celebrini, other players from the San Jose Sharks will represent their countries, including forwards Pavol Regenda for Slovakia, Alex Wennberg for Sweden, and Philipp Kurashev for Switzerland.

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Celebrini as he navigates the challenges of competing on such a grand stage, aiming to fulfill the high hopes of Canadian hockey fans.