OLYMPICS: Ice hockey-Canada blank Czech Republic, Switzerland cruise by France in Milan men's openers

MILAN – Canada opened their Olympic men's ice hockey campaign with a commanding 5-0 victory over the Czech Republic on Thursday, while Switzerland cruised past France 4-0 in Group A action at the Milan Cortina Games.

The nine-time Olympic champions showcased their status as favorites with a team effort led by 19-year-old prodigy Macklin Celebrini, who opened the scoring at Santagiulia Arena. Goalie Jordan Binnington made 26 saves to secure the shutout, while Mark Stone scored off an assist from his Vegas Golden Knights teammate Mitch Marner. New York Islander Bo Horvat added another goal in the second period.

National Hockey League goal-scoring leader Nathan MacKinnon and forward Nick Suzuki completed the scoring in the third period, helping Canada claim a flawless start to the tournament.

These Games mark the return of NHL stars to the Olympics for the first time in 12 years, making men’s ice hockey one of the most anticipated events in Milan. Canada will next face Switzerland, while the Czech Republic take on France in Friday’s Group A matches.

Switzerland Makes Statement

Switzerland also got off to a strong start, with forward Damien Riat and defenseman J.J. Moser scoring early in the first period against France. New Jersey Devils winger Timo Meier added two third-period goals in front of a boisterous home crowd.

Riat opened the scoring on a power play just 55 seconds into the game, and Moser followed with a wrist shot past two French defenders two minutes later. Swiss winger Sven Andrighetto came close early in the second period, hitting the crossbar, while French goalie Antoine Keller made 14 saves to keep the score 2-0 at intermission.

Swiss captain Roman Josi set up Meier for his first third-period goal, and Meier scored again about six minutes later, shooting through Keller’s pads from a sharp angle.

The day’s Group C action concludes with the United States facing Latvia and Germany taking on Denmark.

-Reporting by Amy Tennery in Milan; Editing by Toby Davis and Bill Berkrot/Reuters