Sharks superstar Macklin Celebrini is returning to the Bay Area with a silver medal, falling short of his goal of gold at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics.
Celebrini and Team Canada were stunned by Team USA, 2-1, in overtime of the gold medal game at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milano, Italy, on Sunday.
Jack Hughes scored the golden goal for Team USA just 1:41 into overtime, giving the Americans their first Olympic gold medal since 1980.
Celebrini didn’t register any points in the gold medal game, but he had his chances with a game-high six shots on goal in the loss.
Celebrini, by far the youngest Team Canada player, had a shot to be the hero on a breakaway four minutes into the third period. But Team USA goalie Connor Hellebuyck stoned the 2024 No. 1 overall draft pick, keeping the game tied 1-1.
Making a case to win the Hart Trophy for the Sharks, Celebrini had a breakout 2026 Olympics, finishing second in points (10) behind Team Canada teammate Connor McDavid (13).
Celebrini scored five goals and recorded five assists overall in the tournament.
Now, Celebrini brings this experience back to the Bay Area as he tries to lead the Sharks to the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since the 2018-19 NHL season.
The Sharks (27-24-24; 58 points) open the stretch run of their season against the Calgary Flames on Thursday at SAP Center.
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