Top draft prospect Macklin Celebrini headlines Canada's world junior roster

Macklin Celebrini will be on the plane to Sweden.

The 17-year-old presumptive No. 1 pick at June's NHL draft was named to Canada's 22-player roster announced Wednesday for the 2024 world junior hockey championship.

"Huge honour," said a beaming Celebrini. "Like every kid, it's their dream."

The smooth-skating centre from Vancouver sits second in the NCAA with 10 goals and 25 points in 15 games this season for Boston University.

"I was surprised at how good he was," Hockey Canada executive Scott Salmond, who has scouted the phenom at different levels, said following the team's selection camp.

"For a young player, at 17 years old, to play the way he did here is exciting."