Macklin Celebrini Shines at San Jose Sharks Development Camp
The atmosphere at Sharks Ice in San Jose was electric as fans got their first glimpse of Macklin Celebrini, the San Jose Sharks' first-ever No. 1 overall draft choice, during the team's development camp, held on a Tuesday morning. Celebrini, just 18 years old, made a strong impression as he debuted in front of an eager audience, signaling a promising future for the franchise.
Ever since his arrival in Northern California in 2018, Celebrini has been on a path destined for hockey greatness. His impressive pedigree includes a stellar freshman year at Boston University, where he notched 32 goals and 32 assists in 38 games, earning him the prestigious Hobey Baker Award. Now, he faces a pivotal decision in his young career: whether to join the Sharks for the upcoming season or return to Boston University for his sophomore year.
"It's coming up. I'll make the decision pretty quick here. Just trying to enjoy this camp, and after that I guess it's time to make a decision," Celebrini shared, highlighting the gravity of the choice before him.
Impressing on the Ice
Celebrini's performance on the ice has already caught the attention of John McCarthy, the head coach of the San Jose Barracuda, the AHL affiliate of the Sharks. McCarthy noted the young forward's competitive spirit, stating, "He was super competitive on pucks. I thought that's what stood out to me the most." This assessment speaks volumes about Celebrini’s readiness to compete at a higher level.
The young talent expressed his excitement about potentially playing in front of Sharks fans, who are known for their passionate support. "It's nice to be wanted. It's been good. They were out there supporting today. From everything I've heard, they are some of the best fans in the league. I'm excited to start playing in front of them," Celebrini said, offering a glimpse into his enthusiasm for joining the Sharks.
A Bright Future Ahead
For someone as young as Celebrini, maturity and composure off the ice are just as crucial as on-ice skills. McCarthy praised Celebrini's overall demeanor, saying, "I think he is a mature kid. I know a lot of people (at Boston University), and talking to them about him, as impressive as he is as a player and his skill level, they're equally as impressed as a person. The way that he carries himself, the way that he goes about his business, it's high end, which is why he went first overall." Such commendations highlight why the Sharks organization holds Celebrini in high regard.
Celebrini remains grounded, emphasizing the sheer joy of playing the game amidst the pressures and responsibilities that come with being the top draft pick. "It's been fun. It's been a long process throughout the draft and stuff, but now it's when the fun begins. You just get to skate, play hockey and just have fun with the guys," he explained, reflecting a youthful yet professional approach to his burgeoning career.
Meanwhile, the Sharks are looking to rebound from a challenging previous season, where they finished with a 19-54-9 record. The arrival of Celebrini, among other promising signings, represents a beacon of hope for the team and its fans. "We're moving in the right direction. There's so many players getting ready to make their debut, especially with the signings that we've made. It's an exciting time," Celebrini remarked, expressing optimism for the future.
Family Ties and Early Beginnings
Celebriini's journey to this point has been supported by a strong family background in sports. His father, Rick Celebrini, is the vice president of player health and performance for the Golden State Warriors, a connection that only adds to the young player's robust athletic environment. Celebrini's early days in Northern California saw him playing with the Junior Sharks U-14 team in 2019, further fostering his development in the sport.
As the Sharks' annual prospect scrimmage approaches on Thursday, all eyes will be on Macklin Celebrini to see if he continues to live up to his billing as the franchise's top prospect. Whether he decides to stay and contribute immediately to the Sharks' resurgence or returns to college hockey at Boston University, his future in professional hockey looks exceptionally bright.
John McCarthy summarized the collective sentiment about Celebrini's talent neatly: "I think he's a really, really talented, really good hockey player. As far as the other stuff, that's kind of above me." Celebrini's journey is just beginning, and the hockey world will undoubtedly be watching closely.