San Jose Sharks' Development Camp: Celebrini's Big Decision
The San Jose Sharks' development camp opened with a buzz on Tuesday morning at Sharks Ice in San Jose. All eyes were on Macklin Celebrini, the franchise's first-ever No. 1 overall draft choice, who made his much-anticipated debut at the camp.
Celebrini, an 18-year-old phenom, is at a crossroads in his young career, deciding whether to join the Sharks for the upcoming NHL 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 said.
It has been an eventful journey for the young star. After moving to Northern California in 2018, Celebrini played with the Junior Sharks U-14 team in 2019, setting the stage for his meteoric rise. His freshman year at Boston University was nothing short of spectacular, amassing 32 goals and 32 assists in just 38 games. This impressive performance earned him the prestigious Hobey Baker Award, an accolade given annually to the top NCAA men's ice hockey player.
As much as Celebrini's talent on the ice is recognized, his character off the ice also garners significant attention. John McCarthy, head coach of the San Jose Barracuda, the Sharks' AHL affiliate, praised Celebrini, stating, "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."
In Tuesday's session, Celebrini impressed onlookers with his competitiveness and skill. "Really good. He was super competitive on pucks. I thought that's what stood out to me the most," McCarthy commented. This praise is indicative of the significant expectations placed upon the young talent as he considers the next step in his career.
Joining the Sharks comes with substantial challenges and opportunities. The team is looking to regain its footing after a difficult season, finishing with a disappointing 19-54-9 record. Celebrini acknowledges the support from the Sharks community and expresses a positive outlook on the potential journey. "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.
Celebrini's enthusiasm for hockey is palpable. Reflecting on his journey through the draft process and his debut at the camp, he said, "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."
Amid Celebrini's decision-making process, there is optimism in the Sharks organization about 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 remarked. His father, Rick Celebrini, who holds a significant role as the vice president of player health and performance for the Golden State Warriors, might also play a part in guiding the young star’s decision-making process.
Looking ahead, the Sharks’ annual prospect scrimmage is set for Thursday, providing another platform for Celebrini and his peers to showcase their talents. John McCarthy's succinct assessment of Celebrini resonates well with the expectations of the organization and its fans: "I think he's a really, really talented, really good hockey player. As far as the other stuff, that's kind of above me."
As the countdown to his crucial decision continues, the anticipation surrounding Macklin Celebrini's future builds. Whether he dons the Sharks jersey this season or returns to Boston University, his trajectory remains one of the most exciting narratives in hockey today.