Facing Vancouver Canucks surreal for Macklin Celebrini [Video]

Macklin Celebrini grew up dreaming of playing NHL hockey at Rogers Arena.

On Monday, that dream becomes a reality.

“Skating here when I was younger, I kind of tried to put myself in an NHL player’s situation or shoes, and pretend to be them. And now I’m practising here and getting ready for the game tomorrow,” the 18-year-old San Jose Sharks centre said Sunday. “It’s pretty surreal.”

Raised in North Vancouver, B.C., Celebrini was picked first overall by the Sharks at June’s NHL entry draft. He’s since become a rookie sensation with 11 goals and 12 assists in his first 24 games.

On Monday, he’ll look to add to the tally when he plays his hometown Vancouver Canucks for the first time.

It’s a major milestone for a young player who grew up around the team. His dad, Rick Celebrini, worked in health sciences with the Canucks and the Celebrini kids often found themselves at the rink.

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