Celebrini scores pair to lead Canada to 6-0 victory over Italy at men’s hockey worlds

FRIBOURG — Macklin Celebrini scored twice to lead Canada to a 6-0 victory over Italy on Saturday at the world hockey championship.

Dylan Holloway, Fraser Minten, Evan Bouchard and Ryan O’Reilly also scored. Goaltender Cam Talbot made 19 saves for the shutout.

Celebrini, the 19-year-old captain, also had an assist.

“He is one of the best players in the NHL and you really see how good he is when you play on his team and watch him live,” Bouchard said. “He is such a fun player to watch, and he is leading the way.

“You saw what he did at the Olympics and we are seeing it again here. So it is not a surprise to see his success.”

Holloway and Minten scored 47 seconds apart midway through the opening period. Holloway received a pass from John Tavares in front of the goal to beat goaltender Davide Fadani and Minten doubled the lead on a rebound.

Celebrini netted a one-timer from the right circle after receiving a cross-ice pass from Porter Martone to make it 3-0 with 3:04 remaining in the opening period.

Celebrini’s second goal came at 2:09 in the second period from a backhand shot high into the net. Sidney Crosby registered the first assist.

Bouchard, on a power play, and O’Reilly tallied later in the stanza.

“I was really happy with our group’s effort,” said Canadian head coach Misha Donskov. “Our message going into the game was to focus on our game and our structure, and the way that we want to play in this tournament.

“I thought the guys executed well.”

Canada has two wins from two games in Group B after beating Sweden 5-3 in its opener on Friday. Canada next plays Denmark on Monday.

Newcomer Italy returned to the top division for the first time since 2022.

With files from The Associated Press.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 16, 2026.

The Canadian Press