Canada captain Macklin Celebrini named ‘Player of the Game’ in 6-0 win
Macklin Celebrini continued his remarkable rise on the international stage Saturday after earning Player of the Game honors in Canada ’s commanding 6-0 win over Italy at the 2026 IIHF Men’s World Championship in Fribourg, Switzerland. The 19-year-old captain delivered another standout performance with two goals and one assist as Canada improved to 2-0 in Group B play. MORE: Macklin Celebrini omission ‘highway robbery’ after Hart Trophy finalists reveal Celebrini opened his scoring with a dangerous one-timer from the right circle late in the first period after receiving a sharp cross-ice feed from Porter Martone.
He struck again early in the second period, lifting a backhand shot high into the net for his second goal of the tournament. The young forward also showed strong chemistry throughout the game alongside veteran captain Sidney Crosby , helping drive Canada’s offense in another dominant performance. Canada controlled the pace from the opening puck drop.
Dylan Holloway and Fraser Minten scored 47 seconds apart in the first period before Celebrini extended the lead to 3-0. Macklin Celebrini’s leadership continues an impressive rise What stands out most about Celebrini is not only the production but the maturity in his game. The San Jose Sharks star already looks comfortable carrying major responsibility against experienced international competition.
San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (71) at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images Darnell Nurse picked up another assist in the win, giving him three through two tournament games, while Evan Bouchard blasted home his first senior-level goal for Canada during the second period.
Ryan O’Reilly added another marker as Canada buried Italy with six goals through two periods. Celebrini’s performance also continues a massive year for the teenager. After producing 115 points during the 2025-26 NHL season with the Sharks, expectations around him have skyrocketed.