San Jose Sharks select Macklin Celebrini with first pick in 2024 NHL Draft
The Boston University star tallied 64 points, including 32 goals for the Terriers last season. The 18-year-old was also awarded the Hobey Baker Award as the nation’s top men’s collegiate player while leading the team to a 28-10-2 record and the Frozen Four Final in April.
The center became the youngest player in college hockey to win the award and the highest-drafted award recipient.
Celebrini called it a “surreal feeling” to be drafted into the league.
“I’ve dreamed about this moment ever since I was a kid,” Celebrini told the ESPN broadcast. “For it to come true, it’s just an amazing day.”
Rick Celebrini, Macklin’s father, is the director of sports medicine and performance for the NBA’s Golden State Warriors.
The Chicago Blackhawks took Artyom Levshunov with the second overall pick. Levshunov, an 18-year-old defenseman out of Michigan State University is the highest-drafted Belarussian player in NHL history.
The Anaheim Ducks drafted forward Beckett Sennecke with the third overall pick.
The NHL Draft is the first sporting event and live broadcast at Sphere, accordingto the league
The draft continues through Saturday.
Artyom Levshunov's impressive performance at Michigan State University earned him the title of the highest-drafted Belarussian player in NHL history. The NHL Draft, where Levshunov was selected, marked the first sporting event and live broadcast at Sphere, as announced by the league.
