Macklin Celebrini Returns To Hometown Vancouver As Sharks Visit Canucks

Macklin Celebrini returns to his hometown of Vancouver, BC, for the first time in his San Jose Sharks and NHL career.

When the San Jose Sharks face the Vancouver Canucks tonight, it will be Macklin Celebrini's first time in Rogers Arena since he was a fan during a Stanley Cup Playoff game. 

Celebrini's family will attend tonight's game. The 2024 No. 1 pick lives in Vancouver during the summer and still considers Canada home.

"Skating here when I was younger, I kind of tried to put myself in an NHL player's situation or shoes and pretend to be them and now I'm practicing here and getting ready for the game," Celebrini said after practicing at Rogers Arena on Sunday. "It's pretty surreal."

Reporters expectedly surrounded Celebrini following the Sharks practice and he should be swarmed again after the game. 

His father, Dr. Rick Celebrini, worked for the Canucks from 2014-2018 before heading to the Bay Area to be the Director of Sports Medicine and Performance for the NBA's Golden State Warriors.

"This will always be home," Rick Celebrini told reporters. "I spent almost 50 years here in Vancouver, and the kids were all born and raised here, and they developed as athletes and as people here and part of that journey, really kind of at an influential age, was the four years that I spent with the Canucks. So, to see now Macklin practicing there today, and playing them [on Monday], it certainly is a full circle moment and one of those times in life where you just kind of check yourself and appreciate everything that's happened."

Macklin's brother Aiden, a Vancouver Canucks prospect, will be at the game tonight. While he could support his brother and wear a San Jose Sharks jersey, Macklin says it will probably be best if he stays neutral. 

"He should just keep it neutral," Celebrini said. "He can't wear a Canucks jersey either."

As far as the game goes, Celebrini told THN last week that he was especially looking forward to playing against the 2023-24 Norris Trophy winner, Quinn Hughes.

"They got a couple of pretty special players. I'm excited to play against Quinn, for sure. He's someone that I've looked up to for a little bit now," Celebrini said. "He's one of the best defensemen, if not the best defenseman in the League."

Make sure you bookmark THN's San Jose Sharks site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

Sharks Defenseman Sets Franchise Record; Proof Grier Won Another Trade

Askarov Puts On A Show, But Sharks Blow Another Third-Period Lead; Oilers Win 3-2

McDavid Vs. Celebrini Is The New McDavid Vs. Crosby

Sharks Continue Line Combination Tweaks Ahead Of Oilers Matchup

REPORT: Sharks Begin Extension Talks With Scoring Winger