Macklin Celebrini’s rapid rise on the Olympic stage hasn’t just been surreal for hockey fans — it has been nerve-racking for his family, too.

The Sharks phenom has emerged as one of Team Canada’s breakout contributors at the 2026 Winter Olympics, shining on the international stage in his first appearance at the Games.

Rick Celebrini told The Athletic’s Marcus Thompson the emotions of watching his son’s Olympic debut caught him off guard, despite decades spent working around elite athletes as the Golden State Warriors’ vice president of player health and performance.

“The first game, I was legit nervous,” Rick told Thompson. “I’ve been more nervous than I’ve been in a long time watching any of the kids’ sports games. And I think Mack was — well, I know Mack was really nervous as well.”

Those nerves didn’t last long.

Once Celebrini tipped in Team Canada’s opening goal in its 5-0 preliminary-round win over Czechia, the tension eased for both father and son.

“When he scored that goal, I think it settled us all down,” Rick explained to Thompson. “I think the whole team was nervous. But I think when he got that tip goal, it just kind of allowed us to breathe a little bit and relax.”

Since then, Celebrini has continued his Olympic breakout, scoring four goals through Canada’s first three preliminary-round games.

But before the Olympics began, even making Team Canada’s roster this year came as a surprise to Celebrini’s father.

“Up until the start of the season, when he got off to a pretty good start, I didn’t think that this year would be realistic,” Rick told Thompson.

Celebrini’s rapid rise in San Jose helped accelerate that timeline.

After a standout rookie season, the 2024 No. 1 overall pick has continued to emerge as one of the NHL’s top young forwards in his second year, making his Olympic selection far more realistic than his father initially expected.

But the teenage Sharks star hasn’t just appeared on hockey’s biggest international stage — he has contributed in a significant manner for a Canadian squad with gold-medal expectations.

“It is crazy,” Rick told Thompson. “Not only is he playing, but he’s contributing in a meaningful way and having fun out there. And by extension, so are we.”

As Canada’s push for gold continues, Celebrini continues to prove he belongs among the tournament’s top talent — something his father is enjoying every step of the way.

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