Skip to content
  1. Home
  2. Local Sports

North Vancouver’s Macklin Celebrini scores for Team Canada at world championship

The NHL rookie is getting his first chance to play on the same team as hockey idol Sidney Crosby
Nick Laba
Nick Laba
web1_crosby-celebrini-nhl-crop
NHL rookie Macklin Celebrini and hockey idol Sidney Crosby suit up before a Sharks-versus-Penguins game in January. Both players have expressed high praise for one another, and play on the same line for Team Canada in the IIHF World Championship, on now in Sweden. | @penguins / X

North Vancouver hockey star Macklin Celebrini is suiting up for Team Canada for the first time as a non-junior player, and getting to skate alongside one of his childhood idols.

The 18-year-old San Jose Sharks centre is already making an impact at the 2025 IIHF World Championship, scoring a goal in Sunday’s 7-1 rout against Latvia in Stockholm, Sweden.

Celebrini also had an assist in the first official game of the tournament, helping Canada defeat Slovenia 4-0 on Saturday.

The Canadians play their next game in the 16-team preliminary round robin part of the event on Tuesday against France. Split into two groups, the top four teams in each group advance to the quarterfinals on May 22, with the gold medal final on May 25.

So far, one of the best parts of the tournament for Celebrini has been playing on the same line as Sidney Crosby, who’s been an idol for the young player growing up.

Three-time Stanley Cup champion Crosby has had only good things to say about Celebrini, showering the rookie with praise ahead of a Penguins-versus-Sharks game in January this year.

And after Sunday’s win over Latvia, Crosby said it was “really cool” to see Celebrini pick up his first goal for Team Canada.

'Dream come true' to play with Crosby, says Celebrini

Going into the tournament, Celebrini said it was “a dream come true” to play with Crosby.

“He was an idol of mine growing up and to get the opportunity to play with him is surreal,” he told the NHLPA.

Notably missing from the world championship is fellow North Vancouverite Connor Bedard. He was reportedly invited to play for Team Canada but declined.

Celebrini – who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft – has more accolades to look forward to this year. He’s one of three finalists for the Calder Trophy, awarded to the top rookie in the NHL.

Despite missing 12 games this season, Celebrini topped San Jose in scoring with 25 goals, ranking him second among the league’s rookie players. He was also second in assists (38) and third in points overall (63).

He’s the third-youngest rookie in history to lead his team in scoring, behind only Crosby (youngest ever) and reigning Calder-winner Bedard.