Macklin Celebrini Shines in Sharks Development Camp
Macklin Celebrini Shines in Sharks Development Camp
The buzz in San Jose is palpable as Macklin Celebrini, the San Jose Sharks' first-ever No. 1 overall draft choice, made his much-anticipated debut at Sharks Ice. Fresh off a stellar freshman year at Boston University, the 18-year-old forward is weighing a significant decision: whether to stay with the Sharks for the upcoming season or return for his sophomore year at Boston University.
"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 said, acknowledging the importance and urgency of his choice.
A Debut to Remember
Celebrini's first practice session with the Sharks did not disappoint. John McCarthy, head coach of the San Jose Barracuda, the Sharks' AHL affiliate, observed, "Really good. He was super competitive on pucks. I thought that's what stood out to me the most." This competitiveness was evident as Celebrini seamlessly integrated into the training drills, showcasing the skills that earned him 32 goals and 32 assists in just 38 games during his freshman year at Boston University. His performance there also earned him the prestigious Hobey Baker Award, a testament to his immense talent and potential.
"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 mentioned, reflecting on the support from Sharks fans.
Family Ties and Personal Growth
Adding to the narrative is Macklin's father, Rick Celebrini, who serves as the vice president of player health and performance for the Golden State Warriors. The younger Celebrini moved to Northern California in 2018 and cut his teeth playing with the Junior Sharks U-14 team in 2019. This local connection enriches his story, bringing a sense of continuity and community to his journey.
McCarthy added another dimension of praise for Celebrini, highlighting not just his skills on the ice, but also his character. "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."
Looking Forward
The San Jose Sharks are in a rebuilding phase after finishing last season with a disappointing 19-54-9 record. The team’s future, however, looks promising, especially with talents like Celebrini considering joining the roster. "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.
The decision Celebrini faces is not a trivial one. Should he return to Boston University for his sophomore year, it would allow him to further hone his skills and maturity, but staying with the Sharks offers the allure of immediate NHL experience and contributing to the franchise's rebuilding efforts.
In the immediate future, Sharks fans can look forward to the annual prospect scrimmage set for Thursday. Celebrini’s performance will surely be a focal point, and many eyes will be on the young phenom, hoping to get another glimpse of what could be a major part of the Sharks’ future.
McCarthy succinctly captured the anticipation surrounding the young player: "I think he's a really, really talented, really good hockey player. As far as the other stuff, that's kind of above me."
In the coming days, Celebrini’s decision will shape not just his career, but also the immediate future of the franchise. For now, Sharks fans and the hockey community at large can revel in the glimpses of greatness this young star has already shown.
