Macklin Celebrini Shines at Sharks Development Camp
The San Jose Sharks' development camp saw a surge of excitement this Tuesday morning as the franchise's first-ever No. 1 overall draft choice made his debut. Macklin Celebrini, a prodigious talent, stepped onto the ice at Sharks Ice in San Jose, drawing immediate admiration from fans and staff alike.
At just 18 years old, Celebrini faces a pivotal decision in his burgeoning career: to play for the Sharks this 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 stated, reflecting his focus on the present as he deliberates his future path.
Head coach of the Sharks' AHL affiliate, the San Jose Barracuda, John McCarthy, was notably impressed with the young star's performance. "Really good. He was super competitive on pucks. I thought that's what stood out to me the most," McCarthy remarked, underscoring Celebrini's competitive edge.
An Impressive Track Record
Celebrini's hockey resume is nothing short of extraordinary. As a freshman at Boston University, he tallied an impressive 32 goals and 32 assists in 38 games, a testament to his offensive prowess. This outstanding performance earned him the Hobey Baker Award, making him the youngest player ever to receive the accolade, which is given to the top player in college hockey.
The Sharks, who secured the No. 1 overall pick after finishing with the league's worst record last season at 19-54-9, are optimistic about Celebrini's potential to rejuvenate the team. Celebrini has a unique connection to Northern California, having moved there in 2018 when his father, Rick, became the Golden State Warriors' director of sports medicine and performance. Rick Celebrini now serves as the vice president of player health and performance for the Warriors.
Fan Favorite
At the camp, Celebrini not only showcased his skills on the ice but also connected with the fans, signing autographs and expressing his excitement about being back in the Bay Area. "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 shared.
Celebrini's journey with the Sharks dates back to 2019 when he played with the Junior Sharks U-14 team. His return as the franchise's top pick comes full circle, and he appears ready to embrace the challenge. "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 said, reflecting on his journey.
Looking Ahead
As the Sharks continue through their development camp, McCarthy's insights into Celebrini's character provide a sense of the grounded nature of this young star. "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 praised.
The Sharks are in a rebuilding phase, and Celebrini's addition is perceived as a significant step forward. "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 said, hinting at the optimistic future ahead for the team.
With another day of development camp set for Wednesday and the team's annual prospect scrimmage on Thursday, all eyes will be on Celebrini as he continues to make his mark. Reflecting on his abilities, McCarthy added, "I think he's a really, really talented, really good hockey player. As far as the other stuff, that's kind of above me."
The Sharks’ faithful are hopeful that the infusion of young talent, spearheaded by Celebrini, will translate to success in the near future. For now, fans and analysts alike wait in anticipation to see whether the budding star will stay in San Jose for the season ahead.