Apr 14, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; San Jose Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini (71) prepares for a face off against the Vancouver Canucks in overtime at Rogers Arena. (Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images) [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/a9d80ee1-b74a-4059-bb49-43167a075cae.jpeg] Apr 14, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; San Jose Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini (71) prepares for a face off against the Vancouver Canucks in overtime at Rogers Arena. (Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images) Team Canada really got a roster boost in the days leading up to the 2025 IIHF Men's World Championship, as stars like Colorado Avalanche [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/colorado-avalanche/] forward Nathan MacKinnon, New York Islanders [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders] forward Bo Horvat, and Pittsburgh Penguins [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins]' captain Sidney Crosby joined the fold. And one young star player - also donning the Canadian maple leaf in Sweden and Denmark, where the tournament will take place - had high praise for the Penguins' future hall-of-fame center [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/latest-news/crosby-named-captain-canada-for-worlds]. San Jose Sharks [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/san-jose-sharks] budding superstar Macklin Celebrini - who finished his first NHL season with 25 goals and 63 points in 70 games as well as with a Calder Trophy nomination for Rookie of the Year [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/san-jose-sharks/latest-news/breaking-sharks-macklin-celebrini-nominated-for-calder-trophy] - shared his thoughts on playing for his home country and getting the opportunity to play with his childhood idol. "Every time I get a chance to play for Team Canada, it's hard to say no," Celebrini said. "It's a dream come true. [Crosby] was an idol of mine growing up, and to get the opportunity to play with him is surreal." And not only does Celebrini get to suit up on the same team as Crosby, he also started the tournament playing on the same line as the 37-year-old center, who currently sits ninth all-time in scoring. Crosby centered a second line with Celebrini and Columbus Blue Jackets young star Adam Fantilli on Saturday in a 4-0 win over Slovenia. "He's just such a role model," Celebrini told Penguins' team reporter Michelle Crechiolo [https://x.com/PensInsideScoop/status/1921207997629423873]. "The way he carries himself, the way he plays the game... he plays it complete, and you can use him in every situation. He's the best player for the job in every situation. "The way he carries himself off the ice, how polite he is as a human... it's amazing to watch. He's been so great to me and to a lot of other guys." Celebrini Calls Playing With Crosby “Dream Come True” [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/99dfb1f2-04c0-4d96-889e-1e9fdacedfb4.jpeg] Celebrini Calls Playing With Crosby “Dream Come True” With the 2025 IIHF World Championships starting tomorrow, the NHLPA sat down with San Jose Sharks’ Macklin Celebrini. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/san-jose-sharks/latest-news/celebrini-calls-playing-with-crosby-dream-come-true] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwquDfCA?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen] to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more!
