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Celebrini Achieves Historic Selection for Canada Team

Hockey Canada has announced the roster for the upcoming Olympic Games in Milan-Cortina, set for February 2026. This announcement comes with several noteworthy changes to the lineup compared to previous competitions.

Historic Selection: Macklin Celebrini Joins Olympic Team

Among the most significant updates is the inclusion of Macklin Celebrini, who at just 19 years old, has made history as the youngest player ever selected for a Canadian Olympic hockey team. Celebrini, hailing from Vancouver, has had a remarkable season, scoring 21 goals and accumulating 60 points in 39 games. His performance has positioned him at the forefront of the league, alongside stars like Nathan MacKinnon and Connor McDavid.

Celebrini expressed excitement upon receiving the news of his selection. He stated, “I have difficulty finding the words. I was so excited. It was hard to focus on today’s game.”

Key Players and Performances

Joining Celebrini are notable NHL players including:

  • Nick Suzuki (26 years old) – Captain of the Montreal Canadiens, currently ranks ninth in the league with 44 points this season.
  • Tom Wilson (31 years old) – With 19 goals and 37 points in 38 games, he’s having an impressive season.
  • Bo Horvat (30 years old) – Also among the league’s top scorers with 21 goals.

Although Connor Bedard was a strong contender, he will not compete due to a shoulder injury sustained in December. Before his injury, Bedard had 19 goals and 44 points in 31 games.

Defensive and Goaltending Lineup

The defensive squad remains consistent, featuring:

  • Cale Makar
  • Devon Toews
  • Colton Parayko
  • Drew Doughty
  • Josh Morrissey
  • Shea Theodore
  • Thomas Harley
  • Travis Sanheim

The goaltending ranks see significant changes. Darcy Kuemper and Logan Thompson join returning veteran Jordan Binnington. Binnington previously led Canada to victory in a championship match against the United States.

First Match and Complete Roster

Canada’s opening Olympic match is scheduled for February 12 against the Czech Republic. Below is the full roster:

Player Position Age
Anthony Cirelli Forward 28
Bo Horvat Forward 30
Brad Marchand Forward 37
Brandon Hagel Forward 27
Brayden Point Forward 29
Cale Makar Defenseman 27
Colton Parayko Defenseman 32
Connor McDavid Forward 28
Darcy Kuemper Goaltender 35
Devon Toews Defenseman 31
Drew Doughty Defenseman 36
Jordan Binnington Goaltender 32
Josh Morrissey Defenseman 30
Logan Thompson Goaltender 28
Macklin Celebrini Forward 19
Mark Stone Forward 33
Mitch Marner Forward 28
Nathan MacKinnon Forward 30
Nick Suzuki Forward 26
Sam Reinhart Forward 30
Shea Theodore Defenseman 30
Sidney Crosby Forward 38
Thomas Harley Defenseman 24
Tom Wilson Forward 31
Travis Sanheim Defenseman 29

The Canadian team looks poised to compete fiercely at the Olympics, with a blend of youthful energy and seasoned experience.

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