Team Canada’s Olympic Hockey Orientation Camp got underway on Wednesday with San Jose Sharks star Macklin Celebrini in attendance.
Longtime captain of Team Canada, Sidney Crosby, was asked about Celebirni’s chances of making the 2026 Olympic team. The future Hall of Famer skated on the same line as the Sharks star and didn’t hold back the praise for him.
“He’s an incredible player. His all-around game at his age is pretty impressive. He’s committed defensively. Competes hard. He’s got a pretty mature game for his age,” Crosby said. “I think having that experience at Worlds can only help. I’m sure he built confidence from that. I know that, being on the ice with him day to day and seeing what he puts into it, I’m sure that has made him a better player. He’s earned the right to be in the conversation [to make the team].”
A total of 92 players are participating in camp, 42 of whom are men’s NHLers. The 19-year-old San Jose Sharks franchise player will have his work cut out for him this season. Not only will he be pressing to build on an incredible rookie season, but the pressure of playing for his country in the Olympics will weigh on him.
Crosby isn’t the first to say Celebrini deserves a shot
Crosby’s high praise isn’t the first NHL superstar to recognize the hype around Celebrini. Nathan MacKinnon also told reporters at Worlds that Celebrini should be in the mix to make Team Canada’s Olympic team.
“I have no advice for him,” MacKinnon said. “He’s a pro. He is miles ahead of where I was at 18, mentally. I think his dad has given him a lot of knowledge, you know, put him in a great spot. Obviously, he was raised great, too. A great kid. He’s dominating. He’s standing out with a lot of older players. I think with a good first half, he’s going to have a really good chance at the Olympic team. Really impressed with him.
“He’s amazing. He is so mature for an 18-year-old, such a great attitude. Super happy. I can tell how hard he works. He has a bright future.”
Following Canada’s orientation camp, Celebrini will likely return to San Jose in preparation for training camp. No dates have been announced for the start of San Jose Sharks training camp, but mid-September is the usual start time.
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