Macklin Celebrini is making waves at the 2026 Winter Olympics, dazzling fans and opponents alike as he leads Team Canada on the ice.
This 19-year-old phenom has already been lighting up the NHL with the San Jose Sharks, and he's now carrying that momentum onto the Olympic stage, where he currently leads in goals ahead of Sunday's gold medal showdown.
Celebrini isn't just a rising star; he's poised to redefine hockey in San Jose. His impact is so profound that ticket sales for the Sharks have skyrocketed-individual game sales are up by 47%, and season ticket memberships have surged over 400% compared to last year. Clearly, fans are flocking to see this young talent in action.
Derek Papa from KNBR radio put it best: “He’s going to be the Steph Curry of hockey. He’s going to be the guy we all root for.
So I’m rooting for him.” It's a fitting comparison, as Celebrini's influence on the ice mirrors Curry's transformative impact on the basketball court.
In the NHL, Celebrini stands out as the most remarkable teenager since Sidney Crosby, who himself was the most impressive since Wayne Gretzky. Few have achieved what Celebrini is accomplishing at such a young age.
His Canadian teammates at the Olympics are already touting him as a future world-best, a testament to his extraordinary skills and potential.
While it took Curry until 2024 to clinch his first gold medal, Celebrini has the opportunity to achieve that milestone this Sunday. His journey is just beginning, and the hockey world is eagerly watching.