Macklin Celebrini reveals the reason why he wears number 17

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Cooper Godin
June 9, 2024 (12:49)

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Projected 2024 first-overall pick Macklin Celebrini has been a Vancouver Canucks fan for life, and while he's likely heading to San Jose later this month, the B.C. team will still hold a special place in his heart.

Recently, Celebrini sat down for an interview with Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now and shared why he wears the number 17 and his love for the Vancouver Canucks.

Celebrini said that he wears number 17 for his favourite player, Ryan Kesler, who was beloved by the Vancouver fan base for ten seasons before being traded to Anaheim.

"I think the year I started to love him was in his breakout year," Celebrini said of Kesler's 41-goal Selke Trophy-winning campaign in 2010-11. "He was playing amazing, he was pretty much leading the Canucks with the Sedins with his play. I remember going to a Canucks game and seeing him, and he scored two goals. I just loved him from that point in." Celebrini said.

Celebrini could not wear the number 17 during his first year with the Boston University Terriers as it was taken by another draft-eligible prospect - Cole Hutson. Next season, if he does join the San Jose Sharks right away, he may have to wait to wear the number 17, as it's currently worn by Thomas Bordeleau. However, they could work out a deal where Celebrini could give the Sharks forward a gift in exchange, as we've seen happen with other players around the National Hockey League.

It will be a big night for Celebrini and his family on Friday, June 28th, at the 2024 NHL Entry Draft in Las Vegas. His first game in Vancouver next season will be a special one, and we should find out when that'll be in the coming weeks when the 2024-25 schedule is released.