Macklin Celebrini is hoping his first experience at the IIHF Ice Hockey World Hockey Championship is golden.
When he received the call to represent his country and play with and against some of the world’s top NHL talent, the San Jose Sharks rookie didn’t hesitate to accept the invitation for the tournament that runs May 9-25 with games taking place in Stockholm, Sweden, and Herning, Denmark.
The 18-year-old was one of the first 15 players named to the Canadian entry, which also included players like Bo Horvat, Ryan O'Reilly and Adam Fantilli.
“Every time I get a chance to play for Canada it’s hard to say no,” Celebrini, the first overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, told NHLPA.com. “It’s an amazing opportunity.”
One that is even more special considering he will now be playing alongside one of his hockey idols in Sidney Crosby.
Outside of Crosby’s outstanding NHL resume, which includes three Stanley Cups and three Ted Lindsay Awards, the Penguins captains also has an outstanding international record with two Olympic gold medals, a 2016 World Cup of Hockey championship, a world juniors gold and mostly recently took gold at the 4 Nations Face-Off.
The native of Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia has been effusive in his praise of Celebrini, who suited up for his country at the 2024 world juniors and registered eight points (four goals, four assists) in five games.
“It’s a dream come true,” said Celebrini. “He was an idol of mine growing up and to get the opportunity to play with him is surreal.”
Celebrini will line up against a few familiar faces in San Jose teammates Alex Wennberg with Team Sweden and Will Smith, who will make in his second straight world championships appearance with Team USA.
The fourth overall pick of the Sharks in 2023, Smith, who won gold with the United States at last year’s world juniors, has teamed with Celebrini to give San Jose one of the game’s most dynamic young duos.
Playing against Smith, who has become a close friend, will be somewhat strange, admitted Celebrini.
“It’ll be a little different given we’re teammates during the year, but it’ll be fun,” said the North Vancouver native. “Getting to compete against Will and see how he does will be cool.”
The pair turned heads throughout the 2024-25 NHL regular season, the first full NHL season for both.
Celebrini, the 2024 Hobey Baker Award winner as top player at the U.S. collegiate level, led the Sharks with 63 points in 70 games, finishing tied for second in overall scoring among rookies and second in goals with 25.
Smith, who played against Celebrini in college as a member of the Boston College Eagles, was equally impactful. He finished the year with 18 goals – five of those tallies came on the power play – to go along with 27 assists for 45 points in 74 games.
“He’s a great guy to be around and always finds a way to keep things light,” said Celebrini of Smith. “But at the same time, he knows when it’s time to compete and wants to win more than anyone.”
Just like Celebrini, who was recently named as a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league’s top rookie alongside Lane Hutson [Montreal Canadiens] and Dustin Wolf [Calgary Flames].
He is hoping to add to Canada’s gold medal count at the world championships – the nation has won 28 times, the most of any other country to compete in the tournament. Their last victory came in 2023.
“This tournament is a great chance for me to compete in some meaningful games and hopefully, we can win a medal for Canada.”
In the pre-tournament finale, Celebrini netted a goal along with three assists in a 6-0 victory for Canada over Hungary.
The puck drops on the 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey World Hockey Championship on May 9, featuring a slate of four games. Canada’s first matchup is against Slovenia on May 10.
