Tipster profile image
Victor Petkov
twitter iconlikedin iconlikedin icon
Head of Content authorBadge
Last Updated:

3 min read

Sharks sign center Macklin Celebrini as first pick in NHL Draft 2024
google news logo Follow us
Add comment
The 18-year-old was the youngest ever to win the Hobey Baker Award last season

The San Jose Sharks chose center Macklin Celebrini as the first overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, held in Las Vegas. Celebrini, who just turned 18 on June 13, made history as the youngest player in NCAA Division I last season and the youngest ever to win the Hobey Baker Award, which is given to the top college player.

He achieved this by scoring 32 goals and 32 assists in 38 games at Boston University, becoming only the fourth freshman to receive this honor.

Former Sharks star Joe Thornton announced Celebrini as the first pick, adding to the excitement of the moment. On the ESPN broadcast, Celebrini shared his emotions: “Just a surreal feeling. I’ve dreamed about this moment ever since I was a kid and for it to come true, it’s an amazing feeling.”

Standing at 6-foot and weighing 190 pounds, Celebrini also showcased his talent on the international stage at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship in Sweden, where he recorded four goals and four assists in five games representing Canada.

Reflecting on his son’s dual nature, Rick Celebrini commented, “Off the ice, he is actually an alter ego of himself on the ice. He’s very relaxed and chill, very thoughtful at times. But on the ice, as soon as he steps on the ice, he just changes into competitive, snarling, and aggressive.”