Former Maple Leafs forward Jeff O’Neill has made an eye-opening declaration about Team Canada’s chances of winning the gold medal at the 2026 Milan Olympics.
Canada got off to a flying start, defeating Czechia 5-0 in their Group A opener on Thursday. Appearing on the TSN OverDrive show with Bryan Hayes, O’Neill declared that no one is stopping Team Canada from winning gold:
“I’ll just say it right now, no one is beating that hockey team. I’m sorry. Hayes, you know you feel the same way, so show some stones and say it,” O’Neill said.
Hayes replied:
“I’m not going to change my mind after a 5-0 win. I thought they’d win gold. I’ve always said that.”
In response, O’Neill added:
“I know, but are you willing to just make a statement and say no one’s touching that team? Because I believe that that is the case. You’re not beating that team.”
Should O’Neill’s declaration come true, it will mark back-to-back gold medals for Canada in the best-on-best hockey tournament within two years, following their gold at the 4 Nations Face-Off last year.
Connor McDavid heaps praise on Macklin Celebrini after scoring his debut goal for Team Canada at the Olympics
Macklin Celebrini was one of the standout players for Team Canada during their commanding 5-0 shutout win over Czechia on Thursday.
The 19-year-old netted his Olympic debut goal to put Canada ahead 1-0 with just 5.7 seconds left in the first period, tipping in a shot from Cale Makar. Connor McDavid, who tallied three assists in the game, had nothing but praise for Celebrini after the game.
“I can’t say enough good things about that kid. He’s so, so impressive. At 19 years old, he’s a great, young player but not just because he’s so good with the puck but just all the little things he does, the hard work he puts into the game. He’s good along the wall, wins battles, plays just a hard game. An impressive kid,” McDavid said.
Team Canada will be up against Switzerland in their second Group A matchup on Friday. The puck drops at 3:10 p.m. ET.
Edited by Abhishek Dilta
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