CALGARY, Alberta — Macklin Celebrini, a 19-year-old standout with the San Jose Sharks, has made the Canadian men’s hockey team for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. His inclusion was part of a roster announcement made on Wednesday, where he was one of 19 players selected for the 25-man squad.
Celebrini’s remarkable performance in the NHL has placed him third in league scoring, trailing only Canadian icons Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers and Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche. He joins a group of skilled newcomers, including forwards Nick Suzuki from the Montreal Canadiens, Bo Horvat from the New York Islanders, and Tom Wilson from the Washington Capitals, all of whom aim to enhance the team’s chances at the Olympics.
The young forward expressed his emotions upon receiving the call from Team Canada general manager Doug Armstrong. He immediately shared the news with his parents and reflected on the honor of representing his country. “It’s all surreal,” he said after helping the Sharks secure a victory against Minnesota with a goal and an assist. Celebrini emphasized the significance of wearing the national colors, recognizing the dedication of countless athletes who aspire to achieve such a milestone.
He acknowledged the challenge of shifting his focus back to the Sharks’ games after the monumental news but understands the importance of starting preparation for success in Milan. “The work starts now, building chemistry and looking toward Milan,” he noted.
Canada’s Olympic journey will kick off with their first game against Czechia on February 12. The roster retains the defensive lineup from the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament while making changes at the goaltending position. Washington’s Logan Thompson and Darcy Kuemper from the Los Angeles Kings are set to join St. Louis Blues’ Jordan Binnington, replacing Adin Hill and Sam Montembeault.
Several players from the 4 Nations squad missed Olympic selection, including Sam Bennett of the Florida Panthers, Travis Konecny of the Philadelphia Flyers, and Seth Jarvis of the Carolina Hurricanes. Notably, past Olympic participants Sidney Crosby and Drew Doughty bring experience to the team, while rising stars like Connor Bedard and Mark Scheifele unfortunately did not make the final roster.
As the NHL returns to the Olympic stage for the first time since 2014, Canada looks to leverage both fresh talent and seasoned veterans to compete for gold in Milan. The team’s strong blend of experience and youth instills a sense of optimism as they prepare for this prestigious tournament, marking a significant moment for both the players and Canadian hockey fans alike.