San Jose Sharks Shine on Olympic Ice: Celebrini, Kurashev Deliver in Dominant Wins
It was a banner day for the San Jose Sharks on Day 2 of men’s ice hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics, as two of their own made strong statements on the international stage. Macklin Celebrini and Philipp Kurashev each played key roles in convincing wins for their respective countries - and if this is a preview of what’s to come, Sharks fans have every reason to be excited.
Macklin Celebrini: Making It Look Easy with Team Canada
Let’s start with the 19-year-old phenom, Macklin Celebrini. Slotted on a line with none other than Connor McDavid and Tom Wilson, Celebrini wasted no time announcing his Olympic arrival.
Late in the first period against Czechia, he broke the ice - and the deadlock - with a gritty, net-front tip-in past goaltender Lukas Dostal. Not exactly the kind of goal we’re used to seeing from the smooth-skating Celebrini, but it showcased something even more valuable: adaptability.
“I think that’s my first tip goal in a while,” Celebrini admitted after the game.
That’s the kind of versatility that gets you noticed - even on a roster stacked with NHL All-Stars. Celebrini, typically a center, was playing wing at this level for the first time, and you wouldn’t have known it.
He logged 17:14 of ice time - second-most among Canadian forwards - and added two shots on goal. Only McDavid, who dished out three assists, saw more ice time up front.
It’s clear Celebrini isn’t just along for the ride. He’s a critical piece of what looks like another powerhouse Canadian squad. The chemistry between him and McDavid was evident, and his performance drew high praise from some of the game’s biggest names.
“He’s obviously earned the right to be here,” said Sidney Crosby. “I don’t think he was a guy that was on the bubble. He played his way on to the team.”
Nathan MacKinnon didn’t mince words either: “He’s a top-five, seven, player in the world, no questions.”
That’s high praise - and it’s starting to feel more like fact than flattery.
Team Canada cruised to a 5-0 shutout win over Czechia, and if Celebrini continues to play like this, he may just be the breakout star of the tournament.
Philipp Kurashev: Quietly Effective for Switzerland
Celebrini wasn’t the only Shark making noise on Day 2. Philipp Kurashev played a key role in Switzerland’s 4-0 win over France, picking up an assist on the opening goal by Damien Riat and logging 15:04 of ice time. He added two shots on goal and looked comfortable in his role, helping set the tone early for a Swiss squad that’s quietly building momentum.
While former Sharks forward Timo Meier stole the headlines with two goals, Kurashev’s steady presence was a big part of Switzerland’s control throughout the game. He’s not the flashiest player on the ice, but he’s efficient, smart with the puck, and clearly trusted in key situations.
With both Canada and Switzerland in Group A, these two Sharks will go head-to-head soon - a matchup set for Friday at 12:10 PM PT that suddenly has a little extra intrigue.
Around the Olympic Rinks: More Action in Group Play
Elsewhere in the Olympic tournament, Group C saw Team USA handle Latvia with a convincing 5-1 win, while Germany topped Denmark 3-1. No current Sharks were in action in those games, but the results set the stage for a competitive group moving forward.
In Group B, all eyes are on the upcoming showdown between Sweden and Finland - a rivalry that never disappoints. Sharks forward Alex Wennberg will suit up for Sweden in a critical matchup on Friday at 3:10 AM PT. Finland, still reeling from a surprise loss to Slovakia on Day 1, will be looking to bounce back in a big way.
And speaking of Slovakia, they’ll face host Italy in another Group B tilt at 3:10 AM PT on Friday. Slovakia’s opening win has them brimming with confidence - and apparently, even drawing fans out of hiding. In a bizarre twist, a Slovak fugitive wanted for 16 years was arrested in Milan after showing up to cheer on the national team.
Back in Group A, Czechia will look to rebound against France in a Friday morning matchup at 7:40 AM PT.
What’s Next
With the group stage heating up, the Olympic tournament is starting to take shape - and San Jose’s fingerprints are all over it. Whether it’s Celebrini’s star turn alongside McDavid or Kurashev’s steady hand for Switzerland, the Sharks are making their presence felt on hockey’s biggest stage.
Friday’s showdown between Canada and Switzerland should be must-watch hockey - not just for the stakes, but for the chance to see two Sharks teammates go head-to-head with national pride on the line.