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

Canada's Macklin Celebrini in action, during the 2026 IIHF Men's Ice Hockey World Championship preliminary round group B game between Italy and Canada, in Fribourg, Switzerland, Saturday, May 16, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP - Keystone, Cyril Zingaro

FRIBOURG — Macklin Celebrini scored twice and added an assist 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.

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, the 19-year-old captain, 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.

Canada was 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