Macklin Celebrini reacts to making Canada's Olympic team: It's all surreal'

"SAN JOSE San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini can already imagine what the scene will be like in Italy less than six weeks from now. Arriving with Team Canada, sharing a dressing room and playing with some of the NHL's best, wearing his country's colors as he tries to win an Olympic gold medal. It's all about to happen for the 19-year-old Celebrini, who was named to the prestigious Canadian Olympic men's hockey team on Wednesday after a spectacular first half of the season."

"Celebrini officially discovered he had made Canada's star-studded 25-man roster on Wednesday when the team's general manager, Doug Armstrong, called him around 8 a.m., about five hours before the Sharks hosted the Minnesota Wild. The call was brief, and it took Celebrini some time to process what was happening. Can't put it into words, Celebrini said. I was so excited it was tough to kind of refocus on the game."

"Celebrini is the youngest player on the Canadian team that also features Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid and Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon, the NHL's two top scorers. What likely helped Celebrini make the team, beyond his offensive production, is the way he plays without the puck. The way he plays a 200-foot game, the way he defends, the way he competes for pucks, how physical he is, Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky said. I think that's what probably set him apart."

Macklin Celebrini, 19, was named to Canada's 25-man Olympic men's hockey team after a standout first half of the NHL season. He learned of his selection early Wednesday via a brief call from GM Doug Armstrong. Celebrini scored a goal, added an assist and converted a shootout attempt in the Sharks' 4-3 win over the Minnesota Wild. He entered the game as the NHL's third-leading scorer with 60 points in 39 games. Celebrini is the youngest player on a roster that includes Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon. Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky praised his 200-foot game, defensive play, physicality and puck competitiveness.

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