Celebrini set to play key Olympic role for Canada
Global News
Macklin Celebrini knows the puck bounced his way.
MILAN – Macklin Celebrini knows the puck bounced his way.
Set to become the youngest player to ever suit up for Canada at an Olympic event involving NHL players, the 19-year-old had to wait just 125 professional games before stepping onto sports’ biggest stage.
Many of his teammates — battle-tested veterans with Stanley Cup rings, MVP awards and scoring titles — didn’t know if their own moment would ever arrive.
The league, however, is finally back in the international spotlight at the Milan Cortina Games following a 12-year ice age. And Celebrini is a peach-fuzzed beneficiary.
“I’m super grateful,” said the centre from North Vancouver, B.C. “Lucky to be in this spot.”
The NHL stayed away from the 2018 Olympics due to financial considerations before the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered plans that were pretty far down the road for a return in 2022.
“It’s tough that a (lot) of these guys haven’t been able to get this opportunity when they should have,” Celebrini said. “I’m just blessed and honoured.”
Celebrini also belongs.
