Development Camp Commences with High Expectations for Macklin Celebrini
The San Jose Sharks' development camp got underway on Tuesday morning, marking a historic occasion for both the team and Macklin Celebrini, the Sharks' first-ever No. 1 overall draft pick. Celebrini, an 18-year-old phenom, made his debut at Sharks Ice in San Jose with the eyes of fans and the organization keenly focused on him.
"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 remarked, reflecting on his experience at the camp.
Performing under the watchful eyes of Head Coach John McCarthy of the San Jose Barracuda, the AHL affiliate for the Sharks, Celebrini impressed early on. "Really good. He was super competitive on pucks. I thought that's what stood out to me the most," McCarthy commented on Celebrini's performance.
A Decision Looms
One of the critical decisions facing Celebrini is whether to lace up for the Sharks this season or to 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 revealed, keeping the hockey world in suspense.
Celebrini’s collegiate stats are nothing short of remarkable. During his freshman year at Boston University, he scored 32 goals and provided 32 assists across 38 games, earning him the prestigious Hobey Baker Award. This impressive accomplishment has set high expectations for what Celebrini could bring to the Sharks, a team desperately needing a turnaround after finishing last season with a 19-54-9 record.
Boston University insiders have nothing but praise for Celebrini. "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 said, emphasizing not just Celebrini's on-ice talents but also his off-ice demeanor.
Rooted in Northern California
In 2018, Celebrini moved to Northern California, eventually joining the Junior Sharks U-14 team in 2019. His journey in the region adds another layer of familiarity and comfort as he navigates the early stages of what promises to be a lucrative career. It's a storybook twist to have a local talent rise to become the cornerstone of the Sharks’ future plans.
The familial link to Northern California extends beyond ice hockey; Macklin’s father, Rick Celebrini, is the vice president of player health and performance for the Golden State Warriors, adding another notable sports connection within the family.
Looking Ahead
The Sharks’ annual prospect scrimmage is slated for Thursday, a crucial opportunity for Celebrini to further showcase his skills and potentially solidify his spot on the team for the upcoming season. As the team embarks on a path to revive its fortunes, Celebrini remains a pivotal point of excitement and hope, both for the franchise and its fans. "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, providing a glimpse into the infectious optimism surrounding the Sharks’ camp.
Ultimately, the coming days will be decisive for both Celebrini and the Sharks. With the potential to either begin his NHL journey or return to collegiate ice hockey awaiting his decision, the young forward finds himself at a career-defining crossroads. The anticipation is palpable, and whatever route Celebrini chooses, his performance thus far has garnered immense respect and admiration from coaches, teammates, and fans alike.