MILAN, Italy – As the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 approach, all eyes are on the Canadian men’s hockey team, bolstered by a generational talent in 19-year-old Macklin Celebrini. The San Jose Sharks forward, already making waves in the NHL, is set to make his Olympic debut, and he’s already drawing attention from beyond the hockey world.
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, a gold medalist himself as coach of the U.S. Men’s basketball team at the 2024 Paris Olympics, expressed his excitement to follow Celebrini’s performance in Italy. Kerr’s connection to Celebrini runs deeper than a casual observer’s interest. his father, Rick Kerr, has been the director of sports medicine for the Warriors since 2018, forging a relationship with the Celebrini family dating back to when Macklin was just 12 years old.
“It’s exciting. I can’t wait to see him play in the Olympics,” Kerr said in a post-game press briefing on Monday. The coach’s enthusiasm speaks to the remarkable trajectory of the young player. “It’s nice to see Mack to do so well,” Kerr added, reflecting on a rapid ascent. “He was a 14-year-old boy that I met sometimes and suddenly he’s in the running for NHL MVP… It’s crazy!”
Celebrini’s inclusion on Team Canada marks a significant moment for the program, bringing a fresh face alongside established stars like Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid. He is one of six players on the Olympic roster who did not participate in the 4 Nations Face-Off earlier this year, signaling a clear intent by Team Canada’s general manager, Doug Armstrong, to integrate new talent into the Olympic fold. Armstrong noted Celebrini’s impressive performance in a game last season, recalling a four-point night against the St. Louis Blues shortly after meeting the young forward. “Since then, he’s really taken off,” Armstrong said, highlighting Celebrini’s rapid development and seamless integration with top players.
The 19-year-old’s journey to the Olympics has been nothing short of meteoric. Celebrini, born June 13, 2006, in North Vancouver, British Columbia, quickly established himself as a dominant force in junior hockey. After playing minor hockey in Vancouver, his family relocated to San Jose when his father joined the Golden State Warriors organization. He then excelled in the USHL with the Chicago Steel, posting 86 points in the 2022-23 season – the most ever by an under-17 player in the league’s history.
Prior to joining the Sharks, Celebrini spent a year at Boston University, where he won the Hobey Baker Award as the nation’s top collegiate player, becoming the youngest recipient of the prestigious honor. He was subsequently selected first overall by San Jose in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft and finished as a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league’s best rookie.
Internationally, Celebrini has already represented Canada at multiple levels, including the 2024 World Junior Championships and the 2025 IIHF World Championship, demonstrating his ability to perform on the global stage. His versatility and skill set make him a valuable asset to Team Canada, capable of contributing offensively and defensively.
Canada’s Olympic campaign begins on against the Czech Republic at the Santagiulia Arena in Milan. This marks the first time NHL players have represented Canada at the Olympics since 2014, adding an extra layer of excitement and anticipation to the tournament. The roster, boasting a combined 22 Stanley Cups, is a testament to the depth of Canadian hockey talent. Alongside Crosby and McDavid, veterans like Drew Doughty will provide leadership and experience, while Celebrini represents the future of the program.
The return of NHL players to the Olympic stage is widely seen as a boon for the sport, offering a level of competition that has been missing for over a decade. Canada, with its blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars like Celebrini, will undoubtedly be among the favorites to claim the gold medal. Kerr’s keen interest, and the broader attention surrounding Celebrini’s Olympic debut, underscores the growing excitement surrounding this young player and the potential for a memorable tournament in Milan.
For Celebrini, the Milano Cortina Games represent a significant milestone in his burgeoning career. The opportunity to compete against the world’s best players on the Olympic stage will undoubtedly provide invaluable experience and further elevate his profile as one of hockey’s most promising talents. The weight of expectation will be high, but with the support of his teammates and the nation behind him, Celebrini is poised to make a lasting impact on the Olympic Winter Games.
