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"Just Excited To Start Playing Again": Sharks' Macklin Celebrini Is Ready For The Summer To Be Over

max miller
·3 min read

Macklin Celebrini will play his first unofficial game with the San Jose Sharks on Friday at the 2024 Rookie Faceoff.

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The 2024 No. 1 pick got on the ice for rookie camp this afternoon and spoke to the media following the skate.

"I mean, so much excitement. It's been a long summer and a lot of preparation, so [I'm] just excited to start playing again and get back on the ice," Celebrini said.

Celebrini has had a busy end to his summer. Last week, he was in Washington, D.C., at the NHLPA Rookie Showcase. For the last two days, he's been in Las Vegas for the NHL Media Player Tour, where he met some of the NHL's biggest stars, including Sidney Crosby.

Related: Sharks' Macklin Celebrini Takes On NHL Media Player Tour With Future Hall of Famer

"It's pretty busy there. But yeah, a little bit. Just more to see how he's doing [and] how the summer went, kind of thing," Celebrini said about his conversations with Crosby. "Nothing too crazy. That experience was really cool."

Celebrini now turns his attention to the Rookie Faceoff. San Jose Barracuda head coach John McCarthy will be behind the bench for the tournament and confirmed that both Celebrini and Will Smith are in the lineup for the tournament's first game.

Due to his busy schedule, the 18-year-old has not moved into Joe Thornton's house yet. Celebrini thanked his dad for ensuring he stayed on top of his training while constantly moving around the nation.

"Yeah. I mean, he's done the same thing my whole life. So, no matter if it was last summer, the summer before, going through rehab, he's always helped me navigate things, kind of compromise when I'm not in the ideal situation," Celebrini explained. "He's been huge for me, telling me what to do, keeping myself ready to go."

The Sharks' top prospect's skill was on full display throughout day one of rookie camp. He hasn't played a game since his frozen four loss to Denver Univeristy on April 11th.

The rookie is one of the favorites to win the Calder Trophy as the NHL's rookie of the year, but it all begins with his training camp.

"There's been so much build-up to this season, and I'm just excited to play my first game," Celebrini said. "Finally put the jersey on and actually start to play."

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