Macklin Celebrini was the most watched player at the World Cup. Player observer Lassi Alanen tells how the youngster survived the rough patches where Canada squatted.
Although Canada’s World Championship was a flop, Macklin’s Celebrini performed well. EPA / AOP
Canada’s World Cup ended in a harsh disappointment, when it unexpectedly lost to the Czech Republic 2–3 in the quarterfinals.
Super promise and the most followed player of the games Macklin’s Celebrini17, missed points in the quarter-final match, but the balance of the four preliminary series games was handsome instead: 4+4=8.
– Celebrini was by far Canada’s best forward in these games. Constantly dangerous in the attacking direction, but also convincing playing in two directions. He was precisely the locomotive of his chain and not a passenger, Lassi Alanen praises.
According to EliteProspects’ director of European player scouting, Celebrini strengthened his stock as the number one name in next summer’s booking event, despite Canada’s flop.
According to Alanen, especially Celebrin’s skating and puck skills have developed enormously over the past few years.
– He is a ready-made package that can jump to the NHL right away next season.
Master assured
The championship was won by the USA, which defeated Sweden 6–2 in the final match.
– The US championship came thanks to exceptional offensive play and material. Based on the extent of the material, the team was able to roll with all four chains in a way that no other team in this tournament could match.
The USA scored by far the most goals in the tournament: 45 goals in seven games.
– Especially in turning direct attacks into dangerous goal posts, the United States was superior in this tournament, Alanen sees.
Sweden’s star striker was chosen as the tournament’s most valuable player Jonathan Lekkerimäkiwho scored 7+3=10 in seven games.
– I would have given that title myself To Noah Östlund. Östlund was the engine of Sweden’s attack, who was constantly dangerous and created scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates, explains Alanen.
– Lekkerimäki, on the other hand, was more of a finisher, which of course fulfilled that role excellently. However, in my opinion, Östlund’s overall significance was greater.
Östlund’s points balance after seven games was 3+7.
The Czech Republic won the points exchange Jiri Kulich with powers of 6+6=12. The USA also reached the same score Cutter Gauthier (2+10).