Sharks' Macklin Celebrini Poised to Be 'Steph Curry of Hockey'

19-year-old superstar leading Canada at 2026 Winter Olympics, sparking surge in Sharks ticket sales

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Macklin Celebrini, a 19-year-old phenom playing for the San Jose Sharks, is taking the hockey world by storm at the 2026 Winter Olympics for Team Canada. Celebrini has the most goals in the Olympics so far, and his rise is driving a surge in Sharks ticket sales, with individual game tickets up 47% and season ticket memberships up over 400% compared to last season. Analysts are already comparing Celebrini to all-time greats like Sidney Crosby and Wayne Gretzky, with one radio host predicting he'll become the "Steph Curry of hockey."

Why it matters

Celebrini's meteoric rise is generating immense excitement in the San Francisco Bay Area, as the young phenom has the potential to transform the Sharks franchise and revitalize interest in hockey in the region. His play at the Olympics is drawing comparisons to some of the all-time greats, suggesting he could become one of the sport's next superstars.

The details

At just 19 years old, Macklin Celebrini is already making a massive impact in the NHL with the San Jose Sharks and on the international stage with Team Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Celebrini leads all players in goals scored at the Olympics so far, showcasing his elite scoring ability. His rise has sparked a surge in Sharks ticket sales, with individual game tickets up 47% and season ticket memberships up over 400% compared to this point last season, as fans flock to see the young star in action.

  • Macklin Celebrini, a 19-year-old, is playing for Team Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
  • Celebrini currently leads all players in goals scored at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The players

Macklin Celebrini

A 19-year-old phenom playing for the San Jose Sharks who is leading Team Canada in goals at the 2026 Winter Olympics and sparking a surge in Sharks ticket sales.

Steph Curry

An NBA superstar who is considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time and a beloved figure in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Sidney Crosby

A legendary NHL player who was considered one of the most impressive and productive teenagers in the league's history.

Wayne Gretzky

Widely regarded as the greatest hockey player of all time, who set numerous NHL records and transformed the sport.

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What they’re saying

“He's going to be the Steph Curry of hockey. He's going to be the guy we all root for. So I'm rooting for him.”

— Derek Papa, KNBR radio host (The San Francisco Standard)

What’s next

Celebrini and Team Canada will compete in the gold medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics on Sunday.

The takeaway

Macklin Celebrini's meteoric rise with the San Jose Sharks and on the international stage at the 2026 Winter Olympics has generated immense excitement in the San Francisco Bay Area, as the young phenom has the potential to become one of hockey's next superstars and transform the Sharks franchise in the process.