Doughty Supports Celebrini with Confidence in Canada’s Top PKers After Penalty

Macklin Celebrini has recently made headlines as the youngest player to represent Canada in an Olympic tournament. At just 19 years old, Celebrini’s participation in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, marks a significant milestone for both him and Canadian hockey.

Doughty Supports Celebrini’s Confidence

During Canada’s victory over Switzerland, which ended with a dominant score of 5-1, Celebrini faced a moment of anxiety. With 10 minutes left in the game, he received a tripping penalty, leaving him feeling dejected despite the team’s comfortable lead. His concern stemmed from the high expectations placed on him as a rookie Olympic player.

The Reassurance of a Veteran

Veteran defenseman Drew Doughty stepped in to provide support. He shared a candid moment with Celebrini, expressing his own nerves during similar situations. Doughty said, “Buddy, what do you got to worry about? You got the best PKers in Canada behind you.” His words seemed to resonate with Celebrini, alleviating some of the pressure he felt.

Canada’s Elite Penalty Killers

Despite allowing a power-play goal earlier in the game, Canada’s penalty-kill team successfully managed the situation following Celebrini’s penalty. This successful kill not only steadied the game but also motivated Celebrini, who quickly assisted on a goal just 16 seconds after returning to the ice.

• Celebrini scored earlier in the game, contributing to Canada’s 5-1 lead.
• He is currently tied for fourth in tournament scoring with two goals and one assist.
• Notably, his two goals are tied with eight other players for the tournament lead.

Celebrini’s Season Highlights

The Olympics are not the only stage where Celebrini has shined. In his rookie season with the San Jose Sharks, he has already surpassed expectations. Celebrini has garnered impressive statistics:

• 28 goals
• 53 assists
• 81 points in 55 games

His remarkable performance places him in contention for the Hart Trophy as San Jose fights for a playoff spot.

Group A Dominance

Canada’s win against Switzerland secured their top position in Group A, showcasing an impressive record of:

• 2 wins
• 0 losses
• 0 overtime losses

Additionally, they boast a +9 goal differential. Looking forward, Canada aims to maintain its unbeaten streak in the tournament against France on Sunday at 10:40 a.m. ET, seeking to secure a top seed for the playoffs.