Macklin Celebrini Shines in Debut at Sharks Development Camp
On a bright Tuesday morning, the San Jose Sharks' development camp provided the first look at their much-anticipated addition, Macklin Celebrini. Marking his debut at Sharks Ice in San Jose, the 18-year-old forward who holds the distinction of being the Sharks' first-ever No. 1 overall draft choice, left a memorable impression.
A Star in the Making
Celebrini's presence on the ice has been highly anticipated, especially after his stellar freshman season at Boston University. Known for his impressive record of 32 goals and 32 assists in just 38 games, Celebrini's talent was reaffirmed as he clinched the prestigious Hobey Baker Award. Now, he stands at a crossroads, deciding whether to begin his professional career with 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 said, indicating that the young star remains contemplative about his future.
Despite the uncertainty, Celebrini's enthusiasm about joining the Sharks is palpable. "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 shared.
Coach's Perspective
John McCarthy, head coach of the San Jose Barracuda, the Sharks' AHL affiliate, expressed his approval of Celebrini's performance during the camp. "Really good. He was super competitive on pucks. I thought that's what stood out to me the most," McCarthy observed. He further praised Celebrini's maturity and character, adding, "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."
Family Ties and History
Celebrini's roots in Northern California run deep. He moved to the region in 2018, where he 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 another layer to his connection with the Bay Area's sports community.
Looking Ahead
As the Sharks look to improve upon their 19-54-9 record from the previous season, Celebrini's potential addition holds a beacon of hope 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 remarked, reflecting the optimism surrounding the team.
The next major event on the Sharks' calendar is the annual prospect scrimmage set for Thursday, where Celebrini will have another opportunity to showcase his skills and potentially make an impact on his future with the team. The anticipation around the young star continues to build, fueled by both his past achievements and promising displays on the ice.
As the Sharks camp progresses, one thing remains clear: Macklin Celebrini's journey is just beginning, and all eyes are on this rising star to see where his path will lead.