© Charles LeClaire-Imagn ImagesYesterday, a video surfaced on X/Twitter of San Jose Sharks’ Macklin Celebrini working on face-off technique with Sidney Crosby during a Team Canada practice ahead of the 2025 IIHF World Championships.
As I mentioned last week, this is a great opportunity for Celebrini to learn from a future Hall-of-Famer and apply some of those lessons to his own game. It’s the kind of experience that can really help round out a young player.
Even just in the clip, Crosby is giving him some advice on tying up opponents at the dot. With Celebrini entering his second NHL season, the more he learns now, the easier it’ll be to spot the growth in his overall game.
The biggest thing for Celebrini will be to act like a sponge—soaking in everything he can from the veterans around him. But even more important is simply watching how Crosby goes about his business. From game day prep, to how he carries himself in the room and on the bench—those are the little details young players can learn the most from.
It’s clear Celebrini is eager to learn and make the most of this opportunity, and that attitude will go a long way. These little moments—listening, observing, asking questions—are what can make a difference down the road.
There’s a very real chance that Celebrini comes back next season looking like a more polished and mature 19-year-old. That’s what playing at an international tournament with elite veterans can do, especially when you’re getting advice directly from one of the best to ever play the game.
