While Celebrini had two assists in his first game as an NHL player in his hometown, his giveaway at the offensive blue line — later resulting in a Vancouver Canucks goal — was top of mind in what would become a 4-3 Sharks loss at Rogers Arena.

Macklin Celebrini grew up dreaming about playing NHL hockey at Rogers Arena. On Monday night, that dream will become a reality for the 18-year-old San Jose Sharks center said.

The loss spoiled the homecoming of Macklin Celebrini, the North Vancouver native who was playing his first NHL game near his hometown. Celebrini assisted on Eklund’s goal but his giveaway at the offensive blue line led to Pettersson’s first goal.

The San Jose Sharks drafted Macklin Celebrini first overall in the 2024 NHL Draft. Celebrini immediately signed with the Sharks, forgoing his remaining college eligibility. So far, that move has been the correct one.

Even though he plays for the Sharks, Celebrini still has ties to the Canucks; brother Aiden was selected by Vancouver in the sixth round (No. 171) of the 2023 NHL Draft and is a defenseman for Boston University.

Rookie Macklin Celebrini scored twice and had an assist in the San Jose Sharks' 4-3 victory over the St. Louis Blues on Thursday night.