It didn’t take long for San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini to make an impact for Team Canada at the Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina.
Stationed in front of the net, Celebrini redirected defenseman Cale Makar’s shot from the point past goalie Lukas Dostal with just 5.7 seconds left in the first period, giving Canada a 1-0 lead in their tournament-opening game against Czechia on Thursday at Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena.
Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid retrieved the puck inside the Czechia zone and sent a cross-ice pass to Makar, who plays for the Colorado Avalanche. Makar’s shot was just below shoulder height, and Celebrini reached out with his stick and directed it down past Dostal, who played with the Anaheim Ducks.
MACKLIN CELEBRINI GOAL. CALE MAKAR ASSIST.
Team Canada grabs their first goal of the Winter Olympics! pic.twitter.com/Y9g95czCNp
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 12, 2026
At 19, Celebrini is the youngest NHL player in the men’s hockey tournament in Milan.
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