Macklin Celebrini Makes Olympic History as Canada Rolls Past France
Canada’s 10-2 win over France at the 2026 Winter Olympics wasn’t just another dominant performance from a hockey powerhouse - it was a showcase for one of the game’s brightest young stars. Macklin Celebrini, the 19-year-old phenom from the San Jose Sharks, put his stamp on Olympic history with two more goals, including a milestone moment that sets him apart in NHL and Olympic lore.
The highlight came late in the second period, with Canada already in control. At the 17:16 mark, Celebrini stepped up for a penalty shot - and buried it. That goal pushed Canada’s lead to 5-1, but more importantly, it etched Celebrini’s name into the record books as the first NHL player to score on a penalty shot in Olympic competition.
Let that sink in. We’ve seen some big names get their shot on this stage - Alexei Yashin in ’98, Milan Hejduk in ’06, Sidney Crosby and Corey Perry in 2010 and 2014, and Patrick Kane twice in the 2014 bronze medal game.
None of them converted. Celebrini did.
It was his third goal of the tournament, and he wasn’t done yet.
With Canada cruising in the third period, Celebrini added another tally - this one at 11:47 - to make it 9-2. That capped off a two-goal night for the teenager, who now has six points (four goals, two assists) in three games at the Games.
Canada’s win pushed their record to 3-0-0 in the preliminary round, locking up the top spot in Group A and punching their ticket to the quarterfinals. But while the scoreboard tells one story, Celebrini’s performance is telling another - one of a rising star who’s not just keeping up on the Olympic stage, but commanding it.
He’s showing poise beyond his years, delivering under pressure, and making the kind of plays that stick in the memory long after the final horn. If this is what 19 looks like, Team Canada - and the NHL - might be witnessing the start of something truly special.