Macklin Celebrini was thinking about his next stop in the world of hockey.
The young star player who will play in the American university ranks in 2023-24 was the object of desire of many academic institutions in June 2022.
The NBA final series – but above all, the teams involved – played an unexpected role in the rest of the Vancouver hockey player’s career.
And that allowed him to be with Team Canada for the World Junior Hockey Championship which will take place starting December 26 in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Celebrini’s father, Rick, is the director of sports medicine and performance for the Golden State Warriors, who were playing the Boston Celtics for the Larry O’Brien Trophy that spring.
Boston University men’s head coach Jay Pandolfo had already approached Celebrini while he was playing rain and shine at Shattuck-St. Mary’s, a high school in Minnesota which was also attended by a certain Sidney Crosby.
So Pandolfo took a chance and contacted Rick Celebrini while the Warriors were in town for games 3 and 4 of the final series.
“If we could get the services of Macklin Celebrini, then we had to take a chance,” Pandolfo recalled. I met Rick. The relationship was built from that moment on. »
When the Warriors-Celtics series returned to Boston for Game 6 – three days after Macklin’s 16th birthday – the whole family made the trip for the occasion.
“I didn’t really think about the Boston schools,” admitted Macklin Celebrini, one of four children in the family. Then we visited the place, met the coaches, and the decision was pretty much made. »
The 17-year-old center, whose parents played high-level soccer, has dominated the college ranks this season. As a rookie, he scored 10 goals and 25 points in 15 games with the Boston University Terriers.
Celebrini now hopes to have the same kind of success with Junior Team Canada.
“You dream of putting on this sweater your whole life,” he said. It’s a unique feeling. »
Celebrini should be one of the centerpieces of the Canadian attack in this tournament reserved for players aged under 20.
“He’s a very special player,” said center Conor Geekie. I can’t wait to see what he has in store for us. »
The man who is considered by many to be the first choice in the next NHL draft in June has rubbed shoulders with star players from a very young age. Before his family moved to California, Rick worked with several Olympic athletes, the Vancouver Canucks, Seattle Seahawks and Vancouver Whitecaps, among others.
“Some of the greatest athletes in the world,” Macklin noted. It conveys the message – what to do and what not to do. The importance of small details, and how they can transform the trajectory (of an athlete). »
Moreover, Pandolfo indicated that Celebrini is much more mature than his age suggests.
“He has a unique offensive flair,” said the former Boston Bruins player. But he is also very responsible defensively. He doesn’t cheat. »
Pandolfo added that Celebrini’s attitude off the ice is as impressive, if not more so, than that visible on the playing surface.
“He’s very critical of himself,” Pandolfo said. He is aware that he needs to improve certain aspects of his game, and that is what he wants to do.
“The way he works behind the scenes, his attention to detail on the ice, his hard work every day… that’s what builds your confidence. He knows that very well,” he continued.
His statistics in the NCAA are eye-popping. But there is nothing surprising about them, according to Celebrini.
“I just play my game,” he said. I had a good start to the season. I will try to continue my momentum. »