Macklin Celebrini Makes Memorable Debut at San Jose Sharks' Development Camp
The atmosphere at Sharks Ice in San Jose was charged with anticipation as the San Jose Sharks' development camp unfolded on a lively Tuesday morning. The highlight of the camp was undoubtedly the debut of Macklin Celebrini, the Sharks' first-ever No. 1 overall draft choice. At just 18 years old, Celebrini's presence was electrifying, a prelude to the promising career that lies ahead.
Celebrini, who has moved to Northern California in 2018, is no stranger to the local hockey scene, having played with the Junior Sharks U-14 team in 2019. His journey has been marked by significant milestones, including a stellar freshman year at Boston University where he netted 32 goals and 32 assists in 38 games. His performance earned him the prestigious Hobey Baker Award, setting the stage for his selection as the top draft pick by the Sharks.
As Celebrini skated onto the ice, the young forward was acutely aware of the weight of expectations placed upon him. "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, reflecting on the enthusiastic reception from the Sharks' loyal fanbase.
The decision now facing Celebrini is whether to don the Sharks' jersey 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, indicating that his choice would be made soon after the camp concluded.
John McCarthy, the head coach of the San Jose Barracuda, the Sharks' AHL affiliate, was notably impressed by Celebrini's performance. "Really good. He was super competitive on pucks. I thought that's what stood out to me the most," McCarthy noted. The coach also highlighted Celebrini's maturity and professionalism, 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."
The Sharks' development camp isn't just a setting for showcasing individual talent but also a glimpse into the organization's future. Celebrini himself expressed his optimism about the team's direction. "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," he stated, recognizing the influx of new talent poised to make an impact.
Celebrini's impressive track record and recent form mark a beacon of hope for the San Jose Sharks, who concluded last season with a disappointing 19-54-9 record. The young forward's development and eventual decision will be pivotal for the franchise's strategy moving forward.
The week-long camp will culminate in the Sharks’ annual prospect scrimmage set for Thursday, a crucial event that typically attracts significant attention from fans and scouts alike. While Celebrini continues to weigh his options, one thing is certain: his talent and potential have already made a resounding impact in the hockey world.