Canada’s Macklin Celebrini was ejected from Friday’s pre-tournament game against Switzerland after checking forward Leo Braillard into the boards from behind.
The potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft was assessed a five minute major and a game misconduct for boarding.
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
Braillard, 18, did not return to the game following the hit.
After the game, Swiss head coach Marcel Jenni wasn't able to confirm if Braillard will be ready to play for the opening game of the tournament on Dec. 27 against Slovakia.
"I heard he's pretty OK. It's probably something with the neck. I don't know. We have to see...They're checking him so we'll see later," said Jenni.
🇨🇭 coach Marcel Jenni on Leo Braillard, who left the game after hit from 🇨🇦Macklin Celebrini
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) December 22, 2023
"I heard he's pretty OK. It's probably something with the neck. I don't know. We have to see ... They're checking him so we'll see later."
Canada was leading 5-2 at the time of the penalty. Celebrini had two assists in the game, one on Conor Geekie's first period goal and one in the second period to Fraser Minten.
The 17-year-old had one goal and two assists in Canada's first pre-tournament game, an 8-0 win over Denmark on Tuesday.
Canada will open the tournament on Boxing Day against Finland.
