Sharks Star Celebrini Stumped by Student's Question About Team's Name

The San Jose Sharks forward admitted he didn't know the origin of his team's name when asked by a student.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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San Jose Sharks star forward Macklin Celebrini was recently left stumped when a student asked him about the origin of the team's name. Celebrini admitted he didn't know why the team was called the Sharks, saying "That's a great question. I probably should find that out." The Sharks' name was chosen in 1990 from over 5,700 submissions in a national sweepstakes, with other options including Blades, Breakers, and Screaming Squids.

Why it matters

The exchange highlights how even professional athletes may not always know the history and origins behind the teams they play for, despite being intimately familiar with the on-field action. It also shows the value of curious students asking thoughtful questions to gain a deeper understanding of the world around them.

The details

During a recent visit to a local school, Macklin Celebrini, a star forward for the San Jose Sharks, was asked by a student about the origin of the team's name. Celebrini admitted he didn't know the reason behind the Sharks moniker, saying "That is a great question. They've always been called the Sharks, and I don't know why. That's a great question. I probably should find that out."

  • The exchange took place on March 5, 2026.

The players

Macklin Celebrini

A star forward for the San Jose Sharks NHL team.

San Jose Sharks

The NHL hockey team based in San Jose, California that was awarded a franchise in 1990.

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What they’re saying

“That is a great question. They've always been called the Sharks, and I don't know why. That's a great question. I probably should find that out.”

— Macklin Celebrini, San Jose Sharks Forward (Twitter)

What’s next

Celebrini said he plans to look into the history of the Sharks' name so he can better answer questions from curious students in the future.

The takeaway

This exchange shows that even professional athletes may not always know the full backstories of the teams they play for, highlighting the value of students asking thoughtful questions to expand their own knowledge.