Team Canada’s Macklin Celebrini was ejected from today’s pre-tournament game against Switzerland for boarding.
Celebrini hit Swiss winger Leo Braillard from behind, driving him into the boards at 12:55 of the second period. The referees assessed a boarding major along with a game misconduct.
Macklin Celebrini gets 5 minutes for boarding and a game misconduct for this hit on Leo Braillard.#WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/iqx5alfOEW
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 22, 2023
“It was not a good hit,” said Switzerland head coach Marcel Jenni. “I don’t know [if it’ll be a suspension]; they have to do the decision making. I have to see it again.”
Celebrini’s teammates also discussed the hit.
“It’s kind of a tough spot,” said Matt Poitras. “I’m sure he didn’t mean to hit him like that… Hopefully he’ll get back for the tournament.”
“You see a guy like [Celebrini], with that much skill, obviously he’s not trying to hurt anyone,” said Conor Geekie. “It’s unfortunate. I think he feels really bad.”
Team Canada has one more exhibition game: Saturday against the United State.
The World Juniors tournament begins December 26; Canada will face Finland in their opening game. We’ll wait to see if Celebrini will be in the lineup, pending any supplemental discipline from the IIHF.
