Los Angeles (AFP) – Boston University center Macklin Celebrini was selected by the San Jose Sharks with the first pick in Friday’s NHL Draft, the first major sporting event at The Sphere in Las Vegas.
The 18-year-old Canadian from suburban Vancouver was the youngest player to win the Hobey Baker Award as the top US college player last season, when he scored 32 goals and assisted on 32 more in 38 games for the Terriers.
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“Just a surreal feeling,” Celebrini said.
“I’ve dreamed about this moment ever since I was a kid and for it to come true, it’s an amazing feeling.”
The Sharks had the worst record in the NHL last season and won the NHL Draft Lottery to gain the top overall selection for the first time in the California club’s history.
The Chicago Blackhawks, who used last year’s top pick on 2024 NHL Rookie of the Year Connor Bedard, selected 18-year-old defenseman Artyom Levshunov from Belarus with the second overall choice.
He played for Michigan State University last season.
The Anaheim Ducks, picking third overall, chose right wing Beckett Sennecke of the Oshawa Generals of Canada’s Ontario Hockey League.
© 2024 AFP
