Macklin Celebrini Sparks Excitement at San Jose Sharks' Development Camp
The San Jose Sharks' development camp had an electrifying start on Tuesday morning as 18-year-old Macklin Celebrini made his much-anticipated debut at Sharks Ice in San Jose. As the franchise's first-ever No. 1 overall draft choice, Celebrini has immediately become the focal point of attention, both for the organization and its fervent fan base.
"It's nice to be wanted. It's been good. They were out there supporting today," Celebrini remarked, reflecting on his first day at camp. "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 Debut Filled with Promise
Celebrini’s performance during his initial sessions revealed why the Sharks' brass is optimistic about their future. John McCarthy, head coach of the San Jose Barracuda, the Sharks' AHL affiliate, was full of praise. "Really good. He was super competitive on pucks. I thought that's what stood out to me the most," McCarthy noted.
The admiration for Celebrini isn’t just confined to his playing abilities. "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 added.
Decision Time for Celebrini
Despite the buzz surrounding his debut, Celebrini faces a critical decision: whether to begin his professional career with 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 stated.
Last season, Celebrini showcased his remarkable talents at Boston University, notching 32 goals and 32 assists in 38 games. His stellar performance earned him the prestigious Hobey Baker Award as a freshman, underscoring his potential to make an immediate impact at the professional level.
Bright Future Ahead
The Sharks are eager to rebuild after finishing last season with a 19-54-9 record, their sights now set firmly on the future. "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.
Celebrini's journey with the Sharks has deep roots, as he moved to Northern California in 2018 and 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 region and its sporting community.
Prospect Scrimmage on the Horizon
Fans won’t have to wait long to see Celebrini in action again as the Sharks’ annual prospect scrimmage is set for Thursday. This event will provide another glimpse into the potential of this young phenom and other budding talents within the Sharks organization.
As Macklin Celebrini stands on the cusp of a significant career decision, his debut at the Sharks' development camp serves as a promising indicator of potential greatness. For Sharks fans and the organization alike, the dawn of Celebrini’s era could mark the beginning of a new, exciting chapter in San Jose hockey.