Macklin Celebrini Shines at San Jose Sharks Development Camp
The San Jose Sharks' development camp held on a vibrant Tuesday morning saw an influx of enthusiasm, especially from their newly drafted talent, Macklin Celebrini. Making his debut at Sharks Ice in San Jose, Celebrini has already begun to justify the excitement surrounding his status as the Sharks' first-ever No. 1 overall draft choice.
At just 18 years old, Celebrini enters the professional scene with athletic maturity beyond his years. Last season, Celebrini delivered a remarkable performance at Boston University, netting 32 goals and 32 assists in just 38 games during his freshman year. Reflective of his stellar season, he earned the Hobey Baker Award, an accolade given to the top NCAA men’s ice hockey player. This accolade underscores his potential and skill set, which has evidently caught the eyes of the Sharks' coaching staff.
John McCarthy, head coach of the San Jose Barracuda, the Sharks' AHL affiliate, shared his impressions from the camp. “Really good,” McCarthy remarked regarding Celebrini's debut. “He was super competitive on pucks. I thought that’s what stood out to me the most.” His words echoed the sentiments of many who watched Celebrini’s performance on the ice.
While the young prodigy’s skills are unquestionable, his immediate future remains uncertain. Celebrini hinted at a crucial decision looming ahead, stating, “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.” He faces a choice: to begin his NHL career with the Sharks this season or return to Boston University for his sophomore year.
The Sharks, who wrapped up their last season with a dismal 19-54-9 record, are looking forward to the invigorating presence of new talent, including Celebrini. “We're moving in the right direction,” Celebrini commented. “There's so many players getting ready to make their debut, especially with the signings that we've made. It's an exciting time.”
For Celebrini, Northern California isn't entirely new terrain. He moved to the area in 2018 and played with the Junior Sharks U-14 team in 2019, making his return to the region a kind of homecoming. This familiar environment, combined with the support of his father, Rick Celebrini, who serves as the vice president of player health and performance for the Golden State Warriors, adds a layer of comfort and grounding to his burgeoning career.
As he reflected on the experience, Celebrini noted the warm reception from the Sharks' community. “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 said.
McCarthy also lauded Celebrini's character and professionalism, 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.”
Despite the upbeat tone surrounding the camp, the Sharks' organization remains mindful of the work ahead. Their annual prospect scrimmage scheduled for Thursday promises another opportunity for Celebrini and other young talents to showcase their skills and make their case for a place in the upcoming season’s roster. For the Sharks, rebuild and rejuvenation are priorities, and having a player of Celebrini’s calibre at their disposal provides a glimmer of optimism for the future.
Celebrini’s approach remains simple yet profound, reflective of his attitude throughout the draft process. “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, capturing the essence of a player who is both eager and ready to embrace whatever decision he makes.
The San Jose Sharks, along with their fans, eagerly await Celebrini’s decision, a choice that could very well set the tone for the franchise’s revival in the seasons to come.