Sharks' Development Camp Marks Celebrini's Debut
Tuesday morning saw the San Jose Sharks' much-anticipated development camp come to life, featuring the debut of Macklin Celebrini at Sharks Ice in San Jose. The 18-year-old has already made waves as the Sharks' first-ever No. 1 overall draft choice, and all eyes were on him during his initial skate with the team.
McCarthy, the head coach of the San Jose Barracuda, the AHL affiliate of the Sharks, was particularly impressed with what he saw. "Really good. He was super competitive on pucks. I thought that's what stood out to me the most," McCarthy noted. Celebrini's presence on the ice indeed confirmed the high expectations that accompany a first overall pick.
A Decision Looms
Despite the exhilaration surrounding his debut, Celebrini faces a challenging decision in the coming days. He's contemplating whether to join the Sharks for the upcoming 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," said Celebrini, underscoring the importance of his upcoming choice.
This decision comes on the heels of a stellar freshman year at Boston University, where Celebrini scored 32 goals and added 32 assists in just 38 games. His performance earned him the prestigious Hobey Baker Award, a testament to his skill and potential. McCarthy praised the young talent's maturity and character, 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."
A Tale of Two Celebrinis
Interestingly, the Celebrini family's connection to the Bay Area extends beyond hockey. Macklin moved to Northern California in 2018 and played with the Junior Sharks U-14 team in 2019. His father, Rick Celebrini, holds a prominent position as the vice president of player health and performance for the Golden State Warriors. This deep family-rooted link to Northern California adds another layer of intrigue to Macklin's potential future with the Sharks.
Speaking about his experience so far, Celebrini shared, "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." His enthusiasm for the city's fan base is palpable, reflecting the optimistic spirit engendered by his debut.
Onward and Upward for the Sharks
Last season’s grim 19-54-9 record still lingers as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the Sharks. However, Celebrini's arrival and the ensuing excitement signal a possible resurgence. "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 candidly, encapsulating the team's hopeful mood.
Adding to the excitement, the Sharks’ annual prospect scrimmage is set for Thursday, a much-anticipated event that will showcase the organization's future stars. As Celebrini seeks to find his place either back at Boston University or in the ranks of the NHL, the eyes of the hockey world will focus intently on San Jose and the choices this emerging star will soon make.
"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 noted, signaling his readiness to embrace the journey ahead, regardless of where it leads.