Macklin Celebrini Shines in San Jose Sharks Development Camp
On a crisp Tuesday morning, the San Jose Sharks' development camp buzzed with excitement as Macklin Celebrini, the franchise's first-ever No. 1 overall draft choice, made his much-anticipated debut at Sharks Ice in San Jose. The 18-year-old phenom has quickly become the talk of the town, with fans and coaches alike eagerly watching his every move.
Decisions Looming
Celebrini's future hangs in the balance as he decides whether to lace up for the Sharks this 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 remarked. The young forward's performance at Boston University was nothing short of stellar—he netted 32 goals and 32 assists in 38 games and clinched the Hobey Baker Award as a freshman, cementing his reputation as a top-tier talent.
Impressing the Coaches
John McCarthy, head coach of the San Jose Barracuda, the Sharks' AHL affiliate, has been particularly impressed with Celebrini's competitive spirit. “Really good. He was super competitive on pucks. I thought that's what stood out to me the most,” McCarthy observed. Celebrini’s tenacity on the ice is a key attribute that sets him apart, adding another layer of excitement for fans and the Sharks’ coaching staff.
A New Chapter in a Storied Career
Arriving in Northern California back in 2018, Celebrini's journey has been marked by a series of impressive milestones. In 2019, he played with the Junior Sharks U-14 team, showcasing his burgeoning talent early on. Now, as he stands on the brink of an NHL career, Celebrini is keenly aware of the weight of expectations. “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,” Celebrini said, reflecting on his journey thus far.
A Family Affair
Hockey runs deep in the Celebrini family. Macklin's father, Rick Celebrini, serves as the vice president of player health and performance for the Golden State Warriors, a position that underscores the family's deep-rooted connections in professional sports. This familial support has undoubtedly played a role in Macklin's development and his poised approach to his burgeoning career.
A Fan Favorite Already
Despite his young age, Celebrini has already endeared himself to the Sharks' loyal fanbase. “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 stated. The prospect of Celebrini donning the Sharks' jersey is a beacon of hope for a team that finished last season with a dismal 19-54-9 record.
Looking Ahead
The Sharks’ annual prospect scrimmage set for Thursday promises to be a showcase of young talent, with Celebrini expected to be a standout participant. For Celebrini, it's another opportunity to demonstrate why he was the top pick in this year’s draft. McCarthy has high praise for the young forward, not just for his on-ice skills but also for 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,” McCarthy elaborated.
As the development camp progresses, all eyes will be on whether Celebrini decides to stay with the Sharks or take another year to develop in the collegiate ranks. Either way, his future in professional hockey looks exceptionally bright, and the San Jose Sharks are undoubtedly thrilled to have him in their fold.