Macklin Celebrini, the rookie center for the San Jose Sharks, is set to experience one of the highlights of his young hockey career when he faces off against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on December 23, 2024. Growing up just minutes away from the arena, Celebrini has long dreamed of stepping onto this ice, and on Monday night, it will finally become reality.
Reflecting on the moment, the 18-year-old shared, "It’s pretty surreal," as he prepares for his debut against the team he grew up supporting. Celebrini was raised in North Vancouver and was drafted first overall by the Sharks, marking him as one of the most promising talents to enter the NHL this season.
So far, Celebrini has already made quite the impression with 11 goals and 12 assists across his first 24 games, showcasing his significant potential as he transitions from junior hockey to the NHL. His father, Rick Celebrini, who has played pivotal roles with the Vancouver Canucks and currently serves as the director of sports medicine and performance for the Golden State Warriors, is making his way back to Vancouver to support his son.
On game day, about 50 to 60 friends and family members will be cheering for Celebrini, including his parents, siblings, and lots of childhood acquaintances. Rick, who has spent nearly 50 years of his life living and working within the Vancouver sports scene, reflected on how surreal it is to see his son fulfill his dreams at Rogers Arena, saying, "To see now Macklin practicing there today, and playing them tomorrow, it certainly is a full-circle moment and one of those times when you just kind of check yourself and appreciate everything that's happened."
For Macklin, this moment has been years in the making. He fondly reminisces about his youth, skating on the very same ice where he will compete professionally, and trying to picture himself living his dream. He recalled, "Sk skating here when I was younger, I tried to put myself in an NHL player’s situation or shoes, and pretend to be them."
During those formative years, Macklin and his brother Aiden often spent time at Rogers Arena, where their father worked. "We’d kind of go to the family room, and between periods or after the game, peek our heads out to see if we could spot our favorite players," he recalled. "I saw Sid (Crosby) once, and my brother and I kind of freaked out. Those memories stick with you, especially because we were big fans when we were younger."
The evening matchup reflects not just personal milestones but contrasting fortunes between both teams this season. The Canucks, with 39 points, are seventh in the Western Conference, whereas the Sharks have struggled, holding only 28 points, putting them fourteenth. Nevertheless, the players on both teams are ready to battle fiercely, especially with the spotlight on Celebrini's debut.
Despite the Sharks’ struggles, Celebrini has emerged as one of the team's standout players, sparking hope for San Jose's future. His determination echoes through his words, "There are some ups and downs, mistakes, learning curves. But overall, I feel good. It kind of sucks right now. We haven’t won too many games lately. But we’ve been close enough where I think we should’ve won some of those games."
This emotional homecoming gives Macklin Celebrini not just the chance to fulfill his lifelong dream, but also provides him the opportunity to showcase his skills in front of those who have supported him throughout his life. The encounter will not only be another game on the NHL calendar; it is, for Celebrini, a deeply personal chapter on his path to becoming one of hockey's stars.
With the energy of family and memories fueling him, the center is sure to bring his best to the ice on this unforgettable night. Reflecting on Vancouver’s special place in his heart, he stated, "It’s my hometown. So, it means a lot." Celebrini's debut against the Canucks is the beginning of what promises to be an exciting career, and fans will be watching closely as the young star hopes to continue making history on his way to the top.
