Macklin Celebrini's much-anticipated return to Vancouver has had hockey fans buzzing, and for good reason. The rookie center for the San Jose Sharks grew up dreaming of playing at Rogers Arena, and on Monday night, he will finally get to live out this childhood aspiration.
For Celebrini, the experience is nothing short of surreal. "Sk skating here when I was younger, I kind of tried to put myself in an NHL player’s situation or shoes and pretend to be them. And now I’m practicing here and getting ready for the game tomorrow," the 18-year-old said after practice on Sunday. The first overall pick from the June draft has already made quite the mark with 11 goals and 12 assists over his first 24 games.
Raised in North Vancouver, Celebrini's hockey roots run deep. His father, Rick Celebrini, previously served as the Director of Sports Medicine for the Canucks, establishing professional ties to the team. The younger Celebrini fondly recalls childhood visits to the arena, playing alongside his brother and trying to catch glimpses of his idols, including Sidney Crosby. This connection makes Monday's game against the Canucks particularly emotional, with countless memories flooding back as he steps onto the ice.
Rick Celebrini expressed his pride, emphasizing the monumental nature of his son's debut. "I spent almost 50 years here in Vancouver, and to see now Macklin practicing there today, and playing them [on Monday], it certainly is a full-circle moment," Rick remarked, surrounded by family and friends who made the trip to support Macklin.
Despite Celebrini's thrilling personal milestone, the Sharks enter the game with challenges. Currently, they sit last in the Pacific Division after struggling with consistency this season. Macklin's optimism shines through, though he acknowledges the team's struggle to convert near-wins. "There’s some ups and downs, mistakes, learning curves. But overall, I feel good... it kind of sucks right now," Celebrini admitted.
Celebrini's family has been his backbone throughout his rise to the NHL. His mother, Robyn, and brother, Aiden, are among the 50 to 60 family members and friends who will cheer him on at the game. Aiden, a prospect for the Canucks, faces his own challenges, and though he supports his brother, he’ll likely remain neutral for Monday’s matchup, showing the tight-knit family dynamic.
The historical significance of this game goes beyond just Celebrini's personal narrative. It marks his first professional opportunity to play against notable players, including Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes, the 2023-24 Norris Trophy winner. Celebrini has already expressed excitement for this matchup, saying, "I’m excited to play against Quinn, for sure. He’s someone I’ve looked up to for a little bit now."
Celebrini, who often skates on icy Vancouver rinks during the summer, continues to embrace his roots. He bonds with fellow young talents like Connor Bedard, adding to his competitive spirit. Each encounter serves as a reminder of the friendships formed and the local support system facilitating his growth.
With Vancouver struggling recently, having lost three straight games prior to this matchup, the Sharks are hoping to capitalize on this opportunity. The Canucks’ recent struggles include only winning three of ten overtime games, showcasing their fight during close contests yet inability to close out matches.
Celebrini's path to the NHL wasn’t without its challenges. Kicked off one of the most prestigious youth hockey teams at one point, he channeled those setbacks, pushing himself to hone his skills, which included transitioning from defense to forward seamlessly. Under the guidance of talented coaches throughout his formative years, he cultivated his talent, and it's now paying off on the NHL stage.
Looking back at his upbringing within the North Shore Winter Club, Celebrini’s dedication resonates more than just on personal ambition. He remains committed to giving back to the community, instilling values of hard work and resilience to younger players aiming for the NHL.
Monday’s contest is more than just another game; it encapsulates Celebrini’s dreams come to life. After the Sharks’ tough start to the season, fans await his performance to see if he can propel their team forward and fulfill both personal and collective aspirations.
With the puck set to drop at 9 p.m. ET, all eyes will be on the young star making his debut before friends and family—a moment he, and the entire hockey community, will not soon forget.
