Sharks Win Macklin Celebrini

Remember a few months when I preached about manifesting the number one overall pick?

I actually don't care. Because I do.

The San Jose Sharks officially won the Celebrini-bowl, and boy was it well-deserved. 

On June 28th at approximately 7:22pm Macklin Celebrini will be selected number one in the 2024 NHL draft to the San Jose Sharks, pulling #71 over his head for the first time as a Shark. 

Macklin Celebrini is going to immediately step foot in San Jose as the greatest thing to ever happen to the Bay Area.

Just pretend the Warriors ever existed. Okay?

Macklin Celebrini, according to Byron Bader's analytical database has a 99% chance to become a star in the NHL. We already knew that, though. Celebrini has been dominant at every level of hockey he's played at. All while being a year younger than his teammates and competition. Whether it was at Shattuck St. Mary's, the Chicago Steel, or Boston University, Celebrini was the best player on the ice at all times. And it was never really close.

Let's go back just two years. 

Macklin Celebrini played in 50 games for the Chicago Steel of the USHL. He scored 46 goals added to his 40 assists for 86 points. Yes, 86 points in 50 games. With Boston University, Celebrini put up disgusting numbers. He scored at a historic rate, which ultimately won him the Hobey Baker Award as the league's best player. With Boston he scored 32 goals and 32 assists in only 38 games played and was a +25. 

It may not be as smooth as "Tank for Bedard" but "Slackin for Macklin" mission accomplished alright.

The story can't get any better. Or could it... ?

Macklin Celebrini just so happened to be a San Jose Jr. Shark when he was 14 years old playing AAA hockey. That year? 94 points in 54 games! Like I said, every level he has played at he dominated in.

But wait, there's more.

Macklin's father, Rick, has worked for the Golden State Warriors since 2019 as their director of sports medicine and performance. He has an NBA Finals ring with the Warriors from 2022.

Macklin obviously is a generational talent on the ice. But off of it, it's nice to know he'll be more than comfortable in the area and around the city. I'm sure we are going to see him in and out of Warriors games as well, as it's been mentioned he has a great relationship with Draymond Green and other Warriors players.

Cheers to Macklin Celebrini. The future begins now.

Guess Who's Back? Back Again!

I know, I know. Where have I been? 

Long story, short, I recently graduated from college and the search for a professional career began.

Well... After my two games in the FPHL. Yes, The Fed. The lion's den some have called it.

After I graduated from Illinois State University, I took a short trip down south to Mississippi where I suited up for a two-game PTO with the Mississippi Sea Wolves. And what an experience that was. My first up-close experience playing professional hockey was an experience I will never forget. Playing in front of 5,000 people just across the street from the beach was pretty cool. Other than recording my first professional point, with an assist in my first game, obviously. 

In fact, I was hoping to return next season to the Sea Wolves. But that is now unlikely as I accepted a full-time job with Hilti North America as an Account Manager. I was honestly hoping I would get offered a job I wouldn't really be too crazy about.

That was not the case.

I genuinely don't believe I could have ended up in a better spot. I work for an amazing company, with even better coworkers. I enjoy showing up every day which is tough for many people to be able to say.

Not only that, I now coach Peewee AA hockey which I look forward to almost as much as I did playing.

Now that I finally feel situated with work, coaching, and being independent, I am looking forward to continuing this hobby of mine writing about my favorite NHL team. The San Jose Sharks. In fact, I am going to switch things up and chime in with other teams and news around the league outside of just the Sharks.

My goal is to upload at least one article a week for the next few weeks. Hopefully some weeks more. But for now, welcome back to Teal Takeaways.

We have A LOT to catch up about!