Connor Bedard isnāt the only young star poised to shape the future of Team Canada. Many rising talents are developing both within and outside the NHL, and one of them has recently expressed his desire to represent the national team.
According to information revealed by Arpon Basu, Macklin Celebrini has stated that he would be willing to play for Canada at the upcoming World Championships if called. The young star has made it clear that he is ready to take on the challenge and contribute to the national team.
Notably, Celebrini is younger than Connor Bedard. At just 18 years old, he trails the Blackhawksā standout, who is nearing his 20th birthday at 19 years and 226 days. Both players hail from Vancouver, British Columbia, though Bedard holds a slight edge in NHL experience.
Celebriniās rookie season with the San Jose Sharks has been impressive. The 18-year-old forward has appeared in 47 games, recording 18 goals and 24 assists for a total of 42 points. Despite a -19 plus/minus rating, he has demonstrated his offensive skill with six power-play goals and four game-winning goals, making an immediate impact in his first NHL campaign.
Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini Already Share a Connection
Although they have yet to play together in the NHL, Bedard and Celebrini are no strangers to each other. Bedard made his professional debut in the 2023-24 season at age 18, just like Celebrini. However, the two previously played youth hockey together at the North Shore Winter Club, where they stood out as two of the most promising prospects destined for the professional ranks.
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Bedardās Advice to Celebrini and a Potential Future Together
In March 2024, ahead of a matchup between the Sharks and Blackhawks, Bedard was asked what advice he would give to Celebrini as he adjusted to the NHL. His response was simple: āJust play the game. Have fun.ā When asked about the possibility of playing alongside Celebrini in the future, Bedard remained focused on the present, saying, āLike I said, weāre all focused on today.ā
When Is the 2025 World Hockey Championship?
The 2025 IIHF World Championship will take place from May 9 to May 25, featuring 16 national teams competing across two host venues in Denmark and Sweden. Canada, one of the tournament favorites alongside the United States, will be placed in a separate group from its North American rival. The quarterfinals are scheduled for May 22, followed by the semifinals on May 24. The championship game and the third-place match will be held on May 25.
