Rick Celebrini reflects on son Macklin's Olympic experience with Canada

The Golden State Warriors VP of player health and performance was proud to watch his son play for Canada at the Olympics, despite the team's heartbreaking loss in the gold medal game.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Rick Celebrini, the Golden State Warriors' VP of player health and performance, took time off from his job to travel to Italy and watch his son Macklin play for the Canadian men's hockey team at the Olympics. While the Canadians ultimately lost the gold medal game to the United States, Celebrini said it was an incredible experience to see his son compete at the highest level and be around the veteran Canadian players and coaches, which he believes will benefit Macklin's development going forward.

Why it matters

Celebrini's story highlights the personal sacrifices and family moments that can occur when professional sports figures have children who also pursue athletic careers at the highest levels. It also touches on the growing rivalry between Canada and the United States in men's hockey, which is seen as beneficial for the sport's profile in North America.

The details

Celebrini, who has worked for the Warriors since 2018, said he felt a range of emotions watching his 19-year-old son Macklin compete for Canada at the Olympics, including pride, stress, and nervousness. While the Canadians fell short in the gold medal game, Celebrini believes the experience of being around the veteran Canadian players and coaches will ultimately benefit his son's development as a hockey player.

  • Celebrini returned to Warriors practice on Friday, February 28, 2026 after spending two weeks in Italy watching the Olympics.
  • Macklin Celebrini returned to practice with the San Jose Sharks earlier this week after the Olympics.

The players

Rick Celebrini

The Golden State Warriors' vice president of player health and performance, and the proud father of Macklin Celebrini.

Macklin Celebrini

A 19-year-old hockey superstar who played prominently for Canada's men's Olympic team.

Gui Santos

A Brazilian big man on the Golden State Warriors roster who joked with Celebrini about the U.S. defeating Canada in the Olympic hockey gold medal game.

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What they’re saying

“I don't know how you put it into words. It was an incredible experience being there as a family unit. I felt a little guilty playing hooky from my role here, but it was certainly something that is a life memory.”

— Rick Celebrini, Golden State Warriors VP of player health and performance (New York Times)

“Rick is always joking around. (He's) the best at what he does, so we were missing him, and now he's back with us. I am not from USA, but I guess everybody that is from USA is probably talking something to him.”

— Gui Santos, Golden State Warriors player (New York Times)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This story highlights the personal sacrifices and family moments that can occur when professional sports figures have children who also pursue athletic careers at the highest levels. It also touches on the growing rivalry between Canada and the United States in men's hockey, which is seen as beneficial for the sport's profile in North America.