2024 draft eligible Celebrini named USHL forward of the year
Macklin Celebrini might want to invest in a bigger trophy case.
Celebrini, a projected top pick for the 2024 NHL Draft, has been named the forward of the year in the United States Hockey League, just two days after being named the circuit’s top rookie.
He led the league in goals (46), game-winning goals (8), power play goals (21), and points (86) as a 16-year-old. His point and goal totals this year are the most ever by a U17 player in a single season.
“Celebrini’s first season in the USHL was nothing but spectacular,” FCHockey scout Douglas Larson said. “Once he found his footing and confidence, he never stopped producing points for his team that ultimately was a huge help to a successful regular season for the Steel. Many thought he was a very special prospect heading into the season, and his play really solidified that thought. He’s got potential to be a game breaker down the line and possibly the number one puck in his draft class.”
Celebrini is the first member of the Chicago Steel to win the award since Matthew Coronato accomplished the feat in 2021.
League awards are voted on by each member team’s general manager after each club nominates their players for awards.
Celebrini, who is committed to Boston University next season, helped Canada to bronze at the 2023 IIHF World Under-18 Championship last week, leading his country with 15 points (six goals, nine assists) in seven games. It was the most productive U18 Worlds for a Canadian 16-year-old in tournament history, and fourth overall behind a trio of Russians: Alexander Ovechkin, Mikhail Grigorenko, and Matvei Michkov.