Sharks Welcome Top Prospect to Development Camp
This Tuesday morning marked a new dawn for the San Jose Sharks' franchise as they hosted their development camp at Sharks Ice in San Jose. All eyes were on Macklin Celebrini, the club's first-ever No. 1 overall draft choice, making his highly anticipated debut.
At just 18 years old, Celebrini carries both the promise and burden of elevating the team that struggled last season, finishing with a 19-54-9 record. Yet, the young phenom appears unfazed by the expectations, exuding both excitement and a mature approach to his next steps. “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, referencing his upcoming choice between joining the Sharks this season or returning to Boston University for his sophomore year.
Celebrini's potential is vividly underscored by his stellar freshman year at Boston University, where he racked up 32 goals and 32 assists in just 38 games and clinched the prestigious Hobey Baker Award. John McCarthy, head coach of the San Jose Barracuda, the Sharks’ AHL affiliate, couldn't help but voice his admiration, "Really good. He was super competitive on pucks. I thought that's what stood out to me the most."
Adding to the storyline is Celebrini's deep-rooted connection to Northern California, having moved to the area in 2018 and played for the Junior Sharks U-14 team in 2019. This local tie only serves to heighten the excitement among the Sharks' faithful, known for their passionate support. “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.
While it's clear that accolades and statistics are firmly in Celebrini's favor, it’s his demeanor and work ethic that truly stand out. “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 observed.
As the Sharks look to move forward from a disappointing previous season, they'll undoubtedly lean on fresh talent and new signings. “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 emphasized, highlighting the collective optimism surrounding the team's future.
Adding another layer to his narrative, Celebrini's father, Rick Celebrini, holds a prominent role as the vice president of player health and performance for the Golden State Warriors, one of the NBA's top franchises. Growing up in an environment that values athlete health and performance will undoubtedly further aid Macklin Celebrini as he embarks on what promises to be a prodigious career.
Though his future remains undecided at this moment, Sharks fans and the broader hockey community are eagerly awaiting his choice between donning the Sharks jersey or returning to collegiate ice. Either way, the young talent’s development path boasts a promising horizon.
The Sharks’ annual prospect scrimmage, set for Thursday, will undoubtedly be another focal point for those eager to see Celebrini in action once again. However, regardless of his immediate decision, the energy and optimism stemming from Celebrini's arrival offer a refreshing and hopeful outlook for a team looking to rebuild and thrive.
For now, as Celebrini himself puts it, "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." And as he enjoys this moment, so too do the fans and organization relish the start of a new chapter, hopeful for a brighter future.