France Awed: Celebrini Shines, Olympics Day 5 Qualification Matches Set
The men’s ice hockey tournament at the 2026 Olympics entered the knockout stage following the conclusion of the round-robin games. Teams now await the quarterfinal matchups set for February 18, 2026. Macklin Celebrini led Canada in their dominating performance against France, which ended in a 10-2 victory.
Macklin Celebrini Shines for Canada
Macklin Celebrini put on an impressive display against France, scoring two goals and providing an assist. He logged 15 minutes and 44 seconds of ice time, continuing to showcase his talent on the Olympic stage. Celebrini’s remarkable performance has made headlines, and Canadian head coach Jon Cooper praised his potential and skills.
Head Coach Jon Cooper’s Insight
During the match, Cooper had to decide who would take a penalty shot. He noted the surprise of his team as Celebrini was already preparing, highlighting the young player’s readiness and enthusiasm.
France’s Reaction
Pierre-Edouard Bellemare, a veteran player with over 700 games in the NHL, expressed his admiration for Celebrini’s talents. Bellemare acknowledged the shift in the game and mentioned that retiring from the NHL might be for the best, given the rise of young talents like Celebrini.
Olympic Tensions Rise
Tensions flared during the game when Tom Wilson of the United States engaged in a fight with France’s Pierre Crinon. This incident was a response to a controversial hit on Nathan MacKinnon, underscoring the intensity of Olympic competition.
Upcoming Quarterfinal Matchups
The quarterfinals are eagerly anticipated, with key matchups scheduled for February 17. The teams competing include:
- Sweden vs. Latvia at 12:10 PM PT
- Switzerland vs. Italy at 3:10 AM PT
- Czechia vs. Denmark at 7:40 AM PT
- Germany vs. France at 3:10 AM PT
The winners of these matches will go on to face Canada, the United States, Slovakia, or Finland in the quarterfinals.
Philipp Kurashev’s Role for Switzerland
Philipp Kurashev has stepped up for Switzerland, particularly after Kevin Fiala’s injury. In a thrilling 4-3 overtime win against Czechia, Kurashev played 17 minutes and 24 seconds alongside Nico Hischier and Timo Meier, contributing significantly to his team’s success.
Additional Highlights
Matthew Tkachuk of the Florida Panthers delivered a memorable jab during the United States’ victory over Germany, showcasing the competitive spirit of the tournament.
As excitement builds for the upcoming quarterfinals, all eyes will be on the rising stars and established veterans competing for Olympic glory.
