Here’s the Macklin Celebrini hit. The IIHF is strict on these types of plays. Would guess he has to sit a game or two to start the tournament. pic.twitter.com/w3Mr6AeEIf
– Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) December 22, 2023
Basically, the NHL’s top prospect tackled a player from behind against the boards. He fell heavily and the movement of his head isn’t exactly reassuring at first glance.
You might wonder why he had his back turned, but the IIHF doesn’t ask such questions, historically.
In fact, it’s very likely that the young man will be suspended on the sidelines of the tournament. That’s the way it often works, for gestures of this kind on the international stage.
What’s more, Canada’s first match is against Finland (December 26). Without Celebrini, it will be more difficult.
Of course, if Celebrini can’t be there, it’s logical to think that this would open the door for other players to have a bigger role in the middle. And clearly, Owen Beck comes to mind.
The Canadian prospect, who is Mr. Experience with Team Canada, scored two goals today in his team’s penultimate preparatory game. In fact, he was player of the game.
What a goal from Owen Beck while down a man! #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/fBBeFUlk5c
– TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 22, 2023
Given that a suspension seems likely, it’s safe to assume that Beck could be sentenced – positively – in the next few days. Nothing is certain, however.
In brief
– Rumors of the moment.
My latest Rumblings for@TheAthletic: Latest on Lindholm, Pettersson, Kuznetsov, the Olympics and the Devils’ $9M cap room ahead of the deadline https://t.co/65E9XjSZmO
– Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) December 22, 2023
– Oh boy.
Pascal Vincent goes after Elvis Merzlikins https://t.co/InW77Pv3Xj
– TVA Sports (@TVASports) December 22, 2023
– Les boys!
The Habs boys at the Groupe CH Christmas party at the Bell Centre pic.twitter.com/SweKIDA0nv
– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) December 21, 2023
– Still.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Luis Suárez joins his good friend Lionel Messi with Inter Miami! pic.twitter.com/AQ3xuNrcvh
– RDS (@RDSca) December 22, 2023
– Incredible.
Pure madness. https://t.co/6sIQmk0bQz
– Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) December 22, 2023