Celebrini cements Olympic star turn for Team Canada at 19
At 19, celebrini has become one of Team Canada’s most prominent figures at the Winter Olympic Games, sitting among the tournament’s top scorers and delivering a three-point quarterfinal that propelled Canada into the semifinals. His mix of historic moments, steady production and line chemistry has drawn praise from Sharks teammates and teammates on the national team alike.
Celebrini’s decisive quarterfinal performance
In a 4-3 quarterfinal overtime win over Czechia, Celebrini posted three points, including the primary assist on Mitch Marner’s 3-on-3 overtime winner. In the extra session, he executed a drop pass that freed Marner for a backhand finish at 1: 22 of the 10-minute sudden-death period. That contribution came after a full preliminary round when Celebrini helped Canada secure positioning for the knockout stage.
Historic penalty shot and blowout scoring
Celebrini became the first NHL player to score on a penalty shot in Olympic competition when he converted against France, faking a backhand then sliding the puck to his forehand to beat the goaltender. He followed that moment by adding another goal and an assist in Canada’s 10-2 preliminary win, reinforcing both his finishing ability and his comfort in high-pressure situations.
Sharks teammates expected this level
Players from his NHL club have not been surprised by his tournament form. One teammate called him the best player in the world, noting that Celebrini is proving that assessment on the Olympic stage. Others stressed that seeing his work every day in practice and games made his rise at the Games predictable rather than revelatory, and one teammate described Celebrini as one of the best players in the tournament.
Role alongside McDavid and top scorers
Celebrini has skated alongside Connor McDavid from the start of the tournament and has at times been joined by Nathan MacKinnon, creating a line that features three of the NHL’s top scorers. He entered the Olympics as the NHL’s fourth-leading scorer with 81 points in 55 games, and through the preliminary round and quarterfinals he has totaled five goals and four assists. Early in the quarterfinal contest, he scored off an assist from McDavid and helped set up a MacKinnon power-play goal that tied the game mid-second period.
Semifinal test and what comes next
Canada advanced to the semifinals and will face Finland next. Finland reached the semis by rallying past Switzerland in overtime; a Sharks forward was involved on the Swiss side and recorded an assist in that loss. Elsewhere, Slovakia will meet the United States in the other semifinal after a pair of wins that left Pavol Regenda and his teammates alive for a medal-game path.
With five goals and four assists through the opening stages, Celebrini remains a key offensive indicator for Canada. If that scoring pace holds in the semifinal, he will continue to be a central threat for the team; if it cools, Canada’s depth and veteran playmakers will be more heavily relied upon. For now, his combination of poise on the penalty shot, playmaking in overtime and consistent link-up work with elite linemates has made him one of the Games’ standout young performers.
