Macklin Celebrini has come back to practice with the San Jose Sharks and starts his first NHL game on Thursday night against the St. Louis Blues.
Having come through the junior ranks with such flourish, Celebrini has been well anticipated to start the professional league with much fanfare and from the look of things his debut season for the Sharks will be one of the most spectacular.
In the short amount of of time that he has been involved with hockey he has become well known.
A superb skater, with outstanding hockey sense and an impeccable shoot, the forward, aged 18, has stood out from his minor hockey days.
His jump to the NHL has been eagerly expected, particularly after an impressive performance in the junior leagues to produce him as one kind of prospect.
Sharks’ head coach also showed happiness for the return of Celebrini on the ice stating that he adds a different aspect on skill and enthusiasm on the team.
It was at a press briefing that the coach took time and comment about Celebrini using words that summed up the football star with so much dignity.
“I would say he’s good to go,” San Jose Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky said of Celebrini playing on Thursday.
“We had a plan in place, and we had an idea that he would be fine to go today. He was good today.” he added.
Celebrini’s return to practice was following a number of weeks absence from ice practice, and as a result his fitness and preparation for the NHL games was in doubt.
However, he has demonstrated his stamina and strives daily to get back to shape in order to be selected into the team.
Although the Sharks coaching staff has been pleased with his work ethic and commitment, they say he is prepared for his first game.
That smile is back on the man, very focused on his goals and ready for his first NHL action, Celebrini is ready for the chance to play at the highest level.
