Hockey fans on social media reacted to Team Canada’s star-studded lineup for its first practice ahead of the 2026 Olympics in Cortina, Milan.
TSN’s Mark Masters dropped the lineup, and yes, the lineup is exactly what it seems, with 19-year-old star Macklin Celebrini jumping straight to the top line. Connor McDavid and Tom Wilson Provides physical advantages.
Here’s a look at Team Canada’s route during its first practice ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics:
forward:
McClain Celebrini – Connor McDavid – Tom Wilson
Brad Marchand-Nathan MacKinnon-Nick Suzuki
Mark Stone-Sidney Crosby-Mitch Marner
Brandon Hagel – Bo Horvat – Sam Reinhart
Seth Jarvis-Sam Bennett
Defensive pair:
Jonathan Toews-Kyle Makar
Josh Morrissey-Colton Pareko
Thomas Harley-Drew Doughty
Shay Theodore-Travis Sanheim
Here are the reactions from fans on X (formerly Twitter). One netizen tweeted:
“It’s like the worst possible combination.”
other interject:
“Celebrini, McJesus and Tommy Wilson will feed the family.”
Here are some other popular reactions on X:
“God…nobody has a chance to beat Canada. Not. Not going to happen.” a third fan wrote.
“Isn’t it like a week ago where Wilson cross-checked McDavid from behind and then his skate came out and caught Wilson’s butt? Now they’re linemen? That’s a hockey baby, haha,” added another.
“Gee, the defense looked vulnerable. Starting with Pareko’s second pair, especially compared to the U.S. defense, and that’s before even considering the goals,” one person thinks.
“The third line of defense is going to be difficult to deal with. The strength of the Canadiens, especially in the midfield,” Another chimed in.
Macklin Celebrini expresses feelings while playing for Team Canada alongside Connor McDavid
Macklin Celebrini has shared his thoughts on competing with Connor McDavid on Team Canada at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics, saying it’s hard to describe McDavid’s elite level but it will be fun to play alongside him.
“To play with a guy like that, I mean, you can’t put into words what kind of player he is. It’s going to be fun,” Celebrini said.
Canada’s first Olympic game is scheduled for Thursday, February 12, in a preliminary round match against the Czech Republic.
Edited by Abhishek Dilta





