Macklin Celebrini, poised at the threshold of his professional career, recently made his debut at Sharks Ice in San Jose during the San Jose Sharks' development camp held on a Tuesday morning. The highly anticipated first-ever No. 1 overall draft choice for the Sharks drew considerable attention as he stepped onto the ice. At just 18 years old, Celebrini faces a pivotal decision: to play 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, highlighting the weight of his choice.
A Stellar Debut Season
Celebrini's credentials are impeccable. Last season, in his freshman year at Boston University, he scored an impressive 32 goals and 32 assists in 38 games. His exceptional performance earned him the prestigious Hobey Baker Award. John McCarthy, head coach of the San Jose Barracuda, the Sharks' AHL affiliate, praised Celebrini's competitiveness. "Really good. He was super competitive on pucks. I thought that's what stood out to me the most," McCarthy noted.
Support from the Home Front
Having moved to Northern California in 2018, Celebrini is no stranger to the region. He even played with the Junior Sharks U-14 team in 2019. His father, Rick Celebrini, serves as the vice president of player health and performance for the Golden State Warriors, adding a familial connection to the Bay Area sports scene. Reflecting on his journey so far, Celebrini said, "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."
A Promising Future
The San Jose Sharks are in a rebuilding phase after finishing last season with a 19-54-9 record. Celebrini's potential arrival could signal a significant step forward for the franchise. "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 expressed, showing optimism about the team's future.
The Sharks' development camp isn't just about skills and drills; it's also a time for young players like Celebrini to bond and immerse themselves in the team culture. "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 enthused.
Awaiting the Decision
As the Sharks' annual prospect scrimmage approaches on Thursday, all eyes will be on Celebrini to see how he further showcases his talent. John McCarthy's assessment encapsulates the young star's prowess: "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."
With Celebrini's future hanging in the balance, the excitement surrounding him continues to mount. Whether he dons the teal of the Sharks or returns to the collegiate ranks at Boston University, one thing is clear: Macklin Celebrini is a name to watch in the hockey world.