Cale Makar and Nathan MacKinnon both hit the scoresheet.
The youth movement continues.
Following in the footsteps of yesterdays impressive performance from Slovakia’s Juraj Slafkovsky, it was the youngest player on the vaunted team Canada who put the favorites on the board first. With just five seconds remaining in the first period against Czechia, the budding superstar from San Jose Sharks Macklin Celebrini potted the game’s first goal.
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar assisted on the goal as Celebrini tipped his shot past Czechia’s Lukas Dostal to take the lead as the first period drew to a close.
Foreshadowing the big moment was team Canada’s head coach Jon Cooper on Celebrini prior to the game:
”He may be, what, 19 years old, but his acumen for the game is not. He’s wise beyond his years…Take his age out of it. He’s a hell of a hockey player.“
Early in the men’s ice hockey tournament at the 2026 Winter Olympics this was an important group match between Canada and the Czech Republic, which was won in convincing fashion by the team wearing the red maple leaf.
Canada built on their lead in the second period with goals from Mark Stone and Bo Horvat for a comfortable 3-0 lead heading into the game’s final frame.
In the third period the audience was treated to a quick power play goal scored by the other Colorado Avalanche superstar, Nathan MacKinnon. The man advantage worked the puck down low as Connor McDavid feathered the puck across to a waiting MacKinnon for a tap-in.
Nick Suzuki added a fifth insurance goal in the final minutes of the game to arrive at the 5-0 final score. Canada’s Jordan Binnington made 24 saves to earn the shutout.
Martin Nečas was in the lineup for the Czechs and produced one shot on goal. The team will hope to craft more offense in their future matches.
Both Canada and Czechia will be back in action tomorrow, February 13th. Continuing Group A play will be Canada against Switzerland and Czechia versus France.
Yesterday, Finland and Sweden kicked off their schedule with a couple tense moments. Finland ultimately suffered a 4-1 defeat against Slovakia making their upcoming match with Sweden of critical importance. Sweden, for that matter, had a tough time with Italy but ultimately prevailed in 5-2 victory which featured an opening goal by captain Gabe Landeskog.
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Tensions will be high and the hockey will be fast, but the gloves are staying on.
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