From Legend To Rookie: Joe Thornton Is Shaping The Next Sharks Superstar, Macklin Celebrini
Last night was special for the San Jose Sharks organization as they raised Joe Thornton's No. 19 banner to the rafters, but it meant even more to Macklin Celebrini.
Dean Tait - Sport Shots - From Legend To Rookie: Joe Thornton Is Shaping The Next Sharks Superstar, Macklin CelebriniLast night was special for the San Jose Sharks organization as they raised Joe Thornton's No. 19 banner to the rafters, but it meant even more to Macklin Celebrini.
The 2024 No. 1 pick is living with Thornton and learning from not just the greatest Sharks player of all time but one of the best players to ever play in the NHL. Thornton's infectious attitude and drive to make his teammates better was seen every night of his career, so for Celebrini to live with that can only mean great things are ahead.
"This weekend was really special. You could tell how emotional he was and the family was. I've only known him for a couple of months, but it's emotional for me watching that, seeing how much I meant to him and his family," Celebrini said postgame. "How others and his teammates spoke about him and the praise they gave him fits everything I know about him and everything I've heard about him."
Jumbo Joe gave a long, heartfelt speech to a sold-out SAP Center crowd. He thanked everyone who had impacted his life and career, including Celerbini.
"The kind of player he was, the career he had, and all of his accomplishments, everything he's done for the game, and the kind of person he is, he's one of a kind," Celebrini said. "As everyone said out there, you won't find anyone like him. The way he cares about every single person makes you feel welcome, and no matter who you are, he treats you like his peer. Those are the experiences I've had with him. It doesn't surprise me that everyone else recognized that."
The Sharks are expecting big things from Celebrini's career. Although Celebrini is just 18, head coach Ryan Warsofsky sees the rookie's God-given leadership qualities as Thornton has.
"I think the way [Thornton] was as a leader. Macklin has God-given leadership qualities. He'll be a really good leader when the time is right," Warsofsky said. "No days off, like Jumbo said. He worked on his craft, his body, and his mental game, all the things that go into being one of the best of all time. The greats do something a little bit different. Tom Brady, Tiger Woods, and Joe Thornton are driven by something inside themselves, and that's what great athletes do. I hope Macklin is starting to see that, I'm sure."
When asked if he had goals to reach the point where his jersey would be up in the rafters, Celebrini answered in one of the best ways possible: "Isn't that every kid's [goal]?
"Especially watching that. I bet if you asked every kid in the stands today who's played hockey and loved it, that's where they would want to be at the end of it. There's a reason why it's so special. It's incredibly hard to do. The way [Thornton] did it was incredible."
Celebrini has future captain of the San Jose Sharks written all over him. Still, nothing is guaranteed in life, and living with Joe Thornton might be the most influential part of making the next Sharks superstar, Macklin Celebrini.
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