San Jose Sharks rookie Macklin Celebrini is set to experience a truly special homecoming this Monday. The 18-year-old, who was selected as the number one overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, will be taking to the ice at Rogers Arena in Vancouver for his first NHL game against the Canucks – the team he grew up cheering for.
Celebrini’s connection to Vancouver runs deep. Not only did he grow up in nearby North Vancouver, but his father, Dr. Rick Celebrini, worked for the Canucks from 2014 to 2018. ”Skating here when I was younger, I kind of tried to put myself in an NHL player’s situation or shoes adn pretend to be them,” Celebrini shared after a recent practise at Rogers Arena. “It’s pretty surreal.”
The significance of this game isn’t lost on Celebrini. He vividly remembers being a fan at Rogers Arena, watching the Canucks battle it out. “I think every time I was here, I’d want to skate and kind of get on that ice, just because the NHL has always been a dream of mine,” he saeid. “And now [Monday] is going to be pretty cool as well.”
Adding to the excitement, Celebrini will have a large cheering section, wiht 50-60 friends and family members in attendance. His father, who is currently Director of Sports Medicine and Performance for the Golden State Warriors, is also making the trip from California to witness this pivotal moment in his son’s career. “This will always be home,” Rick Celebrini said. “To see now macklin practicing there today, and playing them [on Monday], it certainly is a full circle moment.”
For Celebrini, returning to Rogers Arena evokes a flood of memories. “We’d go into the family room and between periods or after the game you peek your head out trying to see if you can see a guy or two,” he said. “I remember I saw [Sidney Crosby] one time in the hallway, and me and my brother kind of freaking out and we saw [Daniel and Henrik sedin] walking by. Those are the memories that kind of stick with you.”
Celebrini’s notable talent has drawn comparisons to NHL legend Sidney Crosby from his coach in San Jose, Ryan Warsofsky.
“I’m not saying he’s going to be Sidney Crosby but there are similarities in their games,” Warsofsky said. “Sidney is a really good 200-foot center, he does not cheat on the other side of the puck, he’s a winner, and ‘Mack’ has a lot of those same qualities. … the skill set is obviously similar. Mack is probably even more dynamic in a sense, and that’s not taking anything away from Crosby, but the biggest thing is I see winner written all over Macklin.”
Rookie Celebrini Returns to Vancouver, Ready to Face Off Against Idols
San Jose Sharks rookie Macklin Celebrini’s first NHL season started with a setback—a hip injury sidelined him for the first 12 games. But since his comeback, he’s been making waves, proving he’s worthy of his status as the top pick in the draft. With impressive stats including 21 points in 23 games, celebrini is a key contributor to the Sharks’ recent resurgence after a tough start. “The things he’s accomplishing this year are amazing,” says Sharks forward and linemate Tyler Toffoli. “He’s phenomenal on the ice and constantly strives to improve. He’s an exceptional player, clearly excited to be back home and ready to play.” This homecoming game holds extra significance for Celebrini. He gets to go head-to-head with some players he admired growing up, including Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes, the reigning Norris Trophy winner. “They have some incredibly talented players.I’m especially excited to play against Quinn. He’s someone I’ve looked up to for a while,” Celebrini shared. “He’s one of the best, if not the best, defensemen in the league.” Despite now playing for San Jose,Celebrini maintains ties to the Canucks. His brother Aiden, a defenseman for boston University, was drafted by Vancouver in the sixth round of the 2023 NHL draft. Celebrini often spends his offseasons in Vancouver, even training alongside Connor Bedard, the Blackhawks’ top pick in the 2023 NHL draft, who also hails from North Vancouver. However, during the season, Celebrini is now considered the opposition in Vancouver. His last visit to Rogers Arena was bittersweet, knowing it woudl be his final time receiving cheers from Canucks fans. “Oh yeah, Sharks now,” Celebrini confirmed on Sunday. Macklin has made it clear he won’t be welcoming any Canucks gear from his brother during this matchup. “He should stick to neutral colors,” Celebrini joked. “He can’t wear a Canucks jersey either.”## Archyde Exclusive interview: Macklin Celebrini’s hometown Homecoming
**Archyde:** Macklin, welcome. It’s a big week for you. Your NHL debut is just days away. Can you share your feelings about the magnitude of this game?
**Celebrini:** It’s pretty surreal, to be honest. [1] Skating here when I was younger, I’d imagine myself in an NHL player’s shoes, and now that dream is coming true. It’s going to be extra special playing against the Canucks, the team I grew up cheering for.
**Archyde:** You grew up in North Vancouver, practically in the Canucks’ backyard.What are some of your earliest memories of Rogers Arena?
**Celebrini:** It’s all a blur of excitement. I remember trying to peek into the family room between periods and after games, hoping to catch a glimpse of some of the players. Seeing Sidney Crosby up close was definitely a highlight!
**Archyde:** Your father, Dr. Rick Celebrini, worked for the Canucks for several years. How influential was that in shaping your love for the game?
**Celebrini:** Dad’s involvement with the Canucks definitely fueled my passion for hockey. [1] This will always be home,” he told me. “To see Macklin practicing there today, and playing them tomorrow, it certainly is a full circle moment.”
**Archyde:** You’ll have a large cheering section on Monday.
**Celebrini: ** Absolutely! I have something like 50-60 friends and family coming out, which is remarkable. I’m really looking forward to having their support.
**Archyde:** What are your hopes for this game?
**Celebrini: ** More than anything, I want to soak in the experience. Playing your first NHL game is something you dream about as a kid. To have it happen in Vancouver, against the Canucks, makes it even more special.
**Archyde:** Any pre-game rituals to calm the nerves?
**Celebrini: ** I try to stick to my usual routine. Music helps, and visualizing myself playing my best.
**Archyde:** Macklin, thank you for taking the time. Best of luck on Monday!
