Macklin Celebrini Sparks New Postgame Tradition for Sharks

The San Jose Sharks have introduced a new postgame tradition following an impressive performance by Macklin Celebrini, who was named Player of the Game after scoring a hat trick against the Utah Mammoth. In a thrilling match on March 15, 2024, Celebrini’s contributions propelled the Sharks to a 3-2 overtime victory, marking his third career hat trick and solidifying his status as a rising star in the NHL.

Celebrini’s achievement is particularly notable as he became the first teenager in NHL history to score a hat trick, net the overtime winner, and account for all of his team’s goals in a single game. This remarkable feat places him among an elite group of just six players in the league with three or more hat tricks before turning 20. Furthermore, he is the fourth teenager to reach 30 points within 20 games or fewer, showcasing his exceptional talent and potential.

As Celebrini reflected on the victory, he emphasized the significance of the team’s progress. “Coming into this year, all of us wanted to take that next step as a team,” he stated. “This is a game we probably would have lost last year, so I think just showing the steps that were taken — I mean it wasn’t good to give up those two goals, the breakaway and the other one — but it’s definitely the steps we want to take.”

New Tradition Emerges Post-Victory

In the wake of Celebrini’s outstanding performance, the Sharks have initiated a light-hearted tradition: the Player of the Game must wear a shark tooth necklace and go shirtless during their media availability. Celebrini, along with his teammates, embraced the new ritual, adding a unique flair to the postgame atmosphere.

Celebrini, a 6-foot, 190-pound native of Vancouver, entered the NHL after making history as just the fourth freshman to win the prestigious Hobey Baker Award while playing for Boston University. Remarkably, he did so at just 17 years old, underscoring his impressive skill set and maturity on the ice. Additionally, he currently serves as an alternate captain for the Sharks during home games, further highlighting his leadership abilities at such a young age.

Celebrini’s success against the Mammoth was complemented by contributions from his teammates. In total, five Sharks players recorded points in the game, while goaltender Yaroslav Askarov made 24 saves, solidifying the team’s defensive efforts.

As the Sharks continue to develop their identity and build on their recent performances, Celebrini’s achievements serve as a beacon of hope for fans and teammates alike. The combination of his individual milestones and the team’s emerging traditions highlights an exciting chapter in the franchise’s history, one that promises a bright future on the ice.