Overview
- Canada opened the IIHF World Championship with wins over Sweden 5-3 and Italy 6-0, moving to 2-0 in group play.
- Captain Macklin Celebrini scored twice against Italy, added an assist, and was named player of the game after centering a line with Sidney Crosby.
- Crosby is serving as an alternate captain with John Tavares and Ryan O’Reilly and recorded a secondary assist on Celebrini’s second goal versus Italy.
- General manager Brad Treliving said Crosby insisted Celebrini remain captain when he joined the roster, a move many see as a clear show of trust in Canada’s next generation.
- The tournament is underway in Zurich and Fribourg, where late NHL playoff exits often lead to last‑minute national team additions like Crosby’s.