When NHL players last competed in the Olympics, rising stars Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini were merely eight and seven years old, respectively. Fast forward to today, and both prodigies are serious contenders to join Team Canada for the 2026 Olympic Games in Italy, where the world`s top hockey talent will once again clash.
Team Canada`s general manager, Doug Armstrong, emphasized at the Olympic orientation camp in Calgary that the period from October 7 to January 1 is crucial for all hopefuls, including Bedard and Celebrini. He stated, “There`s no age restriction; you don`t need to be a specific age to earn a spot. If you possess the skill and can contribute to the team`s victory, you will be selected.”
Despite not participating in the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament in February, both Bedard and Celebrini are among 43 elite NHL players invited to Canada`s orientation camp in Alberta, which also hosts the national women`s and Para teams.
While an invitation to the camp doesn`t assure a place on the final 25-player roster for Milan-Cortina, this invaluable experience allows these young talents, who embody Team Canada`s future, to interact and learn from seasoned veterans like Sidney Crosby, Drew Doughty, and John Tavares.
Head coach Jon Cooper acknowledged the competitive nature of the camp, stating, “We have 43 players here, but only 25 will go to the Olympics. Some won`t make it, and that could include these two. However, the 2026 Olympics are just one event; there will be 2030 and 2034 Olympics. Even if they don`t make it this time, being part of this will significantly aid their future development.”
He concluded by saying, “Ultimately, their youth wasn`t the sole reason for their invitation. They are here because they`ve earned it, and this experience is beneficial for them.”