Mitch Marner (famously clutch) singlehandedly carved up the defense for the overtime winner, which might hit a little more if not for the awful 3-on-3 overtime format, but counts all the same. Canada's skill and speed was on display throughout; Celebrini-McDavid-MacKinnon ("Mach 3") made its debut as a line; McDavid setting up Celebrini for the game's first goal was an almost unfair connection.
I told our guys before the game that we can't put ourselves in a position where we are going to sit here and pick our opponent: "Let's do this, to avoid this." We are Canada. In the end, we want to just improve our game. The second you start saying, "We have to score this many goals, or avoid this opponent," it is just a recipe for disaster. For us, it was just about getting better. And we have. To me, we just wanted to avoid the qualification game. Get the extra day of rest, let's see where the chips fall, and go play the games. I think the guys have done that. It has been a pleasure to coach them for the last three games.
"Take away the fact that they're all phenomenal players, number-one picks, many times it doesn't work. There has to be chemistry between the group, and those are three guys that need the puck, and there's only one puck out there. I have to admit, there was a lot of unselfishness between those guys, and that's what you want to see."
Your job as a coach is to put the team in the best situation to succeed. Take away the fact that they're all phenomenal players and number-one picks; many times, it doesn't work. There has to be chemistry between the group. Those are three guys who need the puck, and there is only one puck out there. I have to admit there was a lot of unselfishness between those guys.
Welcome to the Olympics, Macklin Celebrini. The 19-year-old San Jose Sharks phenom -- he has 81 points in 55 games, 42 points more than his closest teammate -- played his way onto Team Canada but also had earned praise from players like captain Sidney Crosby, who played with him at the 2025 IIHF world championships. In his Olympic debut, he scored one of the game's most critical goals to give Canada a lead after the first period.
Team Canada opens up group play at the 2026 Winter Olympics against Czechia on Thursday morning. The team held its final full practice before the game on Wednesday, with many hoping to gain insight into head coach Jon Cooper's initial lineup decisions, particularly regarding his starting goaltender. All three goalies, Jordan Binnington, Logan Thompson, and Darcy Kuemper, were on the ice for the skate. However, Cooper refused to reveal to the media which of the three would get the nod against the Czechs.
"I'm attending the Olympics here in Milan," Joshua said to RMNB. "I went to the Opening Ceremony and am going to other sports venues as well to watch the different events that my city has to offer. I immediately saw the Canadian Team of Hockey with their red jackets. My Swiss boyfriend who is a volunteer in the Olympic Village and a huge hockey fan was pretty amazed. I wasn't expecting this experience at all. It was surprising to see NHL players commuting, too."
Kim Boutin and Courtney Sarault of Canada in action during the mixed team relay. (Yves Herman/Reuters) Team Canada wins silver in short-track mixed relay for country's third medal Moguls star (and Canadian flag-bearer) Mikael Kingsbury returns for his fourth Olympics today. Canadian women's hockey faces Team USA at 2:10 p.m. ET, but captain Marie-Philip Poulin's condition is unclear after an injury in physical game against Czechia last night. Live coverage continues on CBC Gem, or you can follow updates on this page.
When it comes to former Toronto Blue Jays catcher Russell Martin, he was a popular fan favourite that the entire nation of Canada had grown to adore during his time with the ballclub. After all, Martin helped lead the Blue Jays to two exciting postseason runs during his tenure with the team. Despite being with Toronto for only four years, many felt that he had been with the Blue Jays his whole life considering his Canadian roots. Well, Martin will have the Canadian fans behind him once again in the upcoming 2026 World Baseball Classic as he return to the coaching staff for Team Canada in the tournament.
Taillon, who was born in Lakeland, Florida and went to school in Texas, holds Canadian citizenship thanks to his parents, who were both born in the Great White North. He also has numerous family ties from coast to coast and he repped Canada at the 2013 World Baseball Classic, the youngest player on the team at 21. Taillon has not represented the nation at the following tournaments since.
It's getting to be tradition, it seems. When Canada takes to the ice in best-on-best competition, the country stands up a little straighter, red maple leafed jerseys become acceptable work attire(and invitations for high-fives from strangers, naturally), the water cooler becomes a daily hotstove to discuss powerplay formations and goaltending development, and gold is the only acceptable shade of medal.
A third Chicago Cubs player has committed to play in the World Baseball Classic, though this time it's not for Team USA. Owen Caissie will represent Team Canada in the 2026 WBC, marking his second time on their roster. He recorded three hits across Canada's three games, including a home run. He also drew a walk and struck out twice.
