Mitch Marner has picked up where he left off from the final of last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off tournament.
Marner picked up two assists, including the overtime winner to Connor McDavid, in Canada’s memorable 3-2 win over the United States.
The 28-year-old Vegas Golden Knights forward didn’t waste any time making the highlight reel on Thursday during Canada’s opening game of the Milano Cortina 2026 men’s Olympic hockey tournament.
Marner set up Golden Knights teammate Mark Stone 6:39 into the second period with a beautiful backhand saucer pass before jumping over a sliding Czech defender, giving Canada a 2-0 advantage.
Sidney Crosby also had an assist on the play.
After spending the first 19 years of his NHL career with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Marner has 16 goals and 42 assists over 57 games in 2025-26, his first campaign with the Golden Knights.
New York Islanders forward Bo Horvat gave Canada a 3-0 lead late in the second period after taking a nice feed from Brad Marchand before beating two defenders and the goalie with a burst down the middle of the ice.
San Jose Sharks’ 19-year-old star Macklin Celebrini gave Canada a 1-0 lead late in the first period thanks to a tip-in with just six seconds remaining in the opening period. Connor McDavid and Cale Makar picked up assists on the goal.
A first-overall pick in 2024, second-year player Celebrini has been one of the NHL’s top point producers this season, scoring 28 goals and 53 assists over 55 games.
St. Louis Blues goalie Jordon Binnington has been sharp in net for Canada, stopping all 22 shots he has faced.
Lukas Dostal of the Anaheim Ducks is between the pipes for Czechia, stopping 20 of 23 shots.
After taking on Czechia on Thursday, Canada will play Switzerland on Friday before closing preliminary round action on Sunday against France.
Finishing first in group play will earn Canada a direct entry into the quarter-final round.