Macklin Celebrini Makes His Mark at Sharks Development Camp
The San Jose Sharks' development camp on Tuesday morning was not just another preseason exercise; it was the stage for Macklin Celebrini's debut at Sharks Ice in San Jose. As the franchise's first-ever No. 1 overall draft pick, the 18-year-old forward has been under the spotlight, and he did not disappoint.
Celebrini, who has the potential to be a game-changer for the Sharks, is currently weighing his options between joining the NHL team this season or returning 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 said, carefully considering his next step.
A Standout Performance
John McCarthy, the head coach of the San Jose Barracuda—the Sharks' AHL affiliate—was particularly impressed with Celebrini's play during the camp. "Really good. He was super competitive on pucks. I thought that's what stood out to me the most," McCarthy remarked.
The young forward's performance aligns with his impressive track record. As a freshman at Boston University, he notched 32 goals and 32 assists in 38 games, earning him the prestigious Hobey Baker Award. This level of skill and maturity has been evident to those closely following his career. "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," McCarthy added. "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."
A Hockey Journey Rooted in Family and Experience
Celebrini's path to this pivotal moment has been marked by both familial support and personal dedication. His father, Rick Celebrini, serves as the vice president of player health and performance for the Golden State Warriors, and Macklin moved to Northern California in 2018. By 2019, he was already showcasing his talent with the Junior Sharks U-14 team, laying the groundwork for his budding career.
Despite his youth, Celebrini's connection with the Sharks and their fanbase seems strong. "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," he mentioned, reflecting his eagerness to integrate into the community.
Turning the Tide for the Sharks
The San Jose Sharks are in dire need of fresh talent after finishing the previous season with a dismal 19-54-9 record. Celebrini's potential induction into the team brings much-needed hope and excitement. "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 noted, offering a glimpse of optimism for Sharks fans.
As the Sharks’ annual prospect scrimmage approaches this Thursday, all eyes will undoubtedly be on this young prodigy. The anticipation is palpable, not just among fans, but within the coaching staff as well. McCarthy’s sentiment encapsulates the shared excitement: "I think he's a really, really talented, really good hockey player. As far as the other stuff, that's kind of above me."
For Macklin Celebrini, the decision ahead is significant. Whether he chooses to play his freshman season with the Sharks or return to Boston University, his future in professional hockey looks incredibly promising. As he puts it, "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."