Macklin Celebrini took a little while to get going, but once he did, he took control.
In the final period of the San Jose Sharks‘ tryout match, Celebrini took control. His skating, puck control, vision and passing ability helped Team White tie the game after trailing 7-2. Celebrini had two assists on consecutive last-minute goals by White, making the score 7-7, and three assists overall.
While your team Lost in the shootoutThe return of Team Teal was a reflection of the excitement, hype and promise that has surrounded the San Jose Sharks since the Draft Lottery.
In the final post of the week, Celebrini reflected on her return to Sharks Ice, her experience at development camp and her excitement heading into the summer:
Celebrini on how Sharks Ice has progressed since living in the Bay Area:
(Tech CU Arena is) an amazing facility. Like you said, it wasn’t here when I was here. There’s been a lot of changes, like at Calder’s and all the different rinks that this place has. It’s really cool to see how this place has grown. It’s an amazing facility and it’s pretty impressive.
Celebrini on the atmosphere at the prospect scrimmage:
It’s amazing. There’s a lot of excitement here. With the group that we have… the group that we have in that locker room… a lot of young guys; and we’re growing here together. It’s a super exciting time and I’m excited to see where this goes.
Celebrini, on his stay so far in San José:
It’s been amazing… getting to know all the staff. The draft was really intense, I met a lot of people and I forgot a lot of things, so to get here and put names to faces and build that relationship is really cool. Building that relationship with the fans as well. I’m really excited. It’s going to be great.
Celebrini, on whether the experience has been overwhelming at all:
You have to put it all in perspective. That’s why we play, we love the game. We try to be the best we can be. This is what we’ve dreamed of since we were kids, to get to this level and play in the NHL one day. So I feel like we’re just trying to enjoy it, me and our whole group. We’re all having fun.
Celebrini on Will Smith’s ability:
I’ve known that for a couple of years now. I’ve played against him and I’ve had to chase him. Every time he played against us, he always made us shine. I’ve known that for a long time, playing against him in any league, watching him. You see him out there doing the same things. He’s a special player and a special person as well.
Celebrini is happy to no longer have to play against Will Smith: “I’ve known (how good he is) for a couple of years since I played against him, I had to chase him around… he always lit us up… Being able to play with him now will be a lot of fun.”
—Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) July 4, 2024
Celebrini on Joe Thornton behind the bench:
He was more on the defensive side, so I didn’t see much of him. He was bringing energy as always. He was having a good time. He kept his spirits up. I think it was a lot of fun, he was always talking, always trying to get the guys going.
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