SAN FRANCISCO — A Father’s Roller Coaster of Emotions
It’s been quite the emotional ride for Rick Celebrini as he watches his son Macklin shine as one of Team Canada’s standout players during the Winter Olympics in Milan.
The Warriors, fully invested in Macklin Celebrini’s journey, even interrupted their photo session to catch the thrilling conclusion of Canada’s semifinal win over Finland, securing a spot in the gold medal match against the United States.
Rick, who serves as the Warriors’ vice president of player health and performance, expressed some mixed feelings. He couldn’t help but feel “a little guilty playing hooky” in Italy, but the experience was undeniably worth it.
“I’ll cherish it for the rest of my life,” he said, sharing his thoughts with the media, albeit with a lighthearted condition: no questions about Stephen Curry’s knee issues. Updates on Curry are expected soon.
Despite being miles away, Rick felt the team’s support from 6,000 miles off. “I’m genuinely thrilled to have him back,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr noted, adding that he enjoyed listening to Rick’s stories from the Olympics. “He’s an integral part of our team.”
Macklin, now aged 19, joined the Warriors from Vancouver back in 2018. Growing up in the Warriors’ training room, he was exposed to the likes of Stephen Curry, which perhaps contributed to his growth as a player.
“I think there’s value there,” Rick said. “It demystifies hockey, making it feel more attainable and relatable. At the end of the day, it’s just hockey.”
As the youngest Olympian in the NHL and a key player for Team Canada, Macklin was right there alongside hockey legends like Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid. He seemed poised and unfazed on such a grand stage, using it to elevate his profile.
Rick couldn’t ignore the heightened attention Macklin has garnered lately. He noted that the Olympic Village sometimes feels cut off from the outside world, but that clearly wasn’t the case this time.
“I’m immensely proud that he could handle the spotlight without being shy,” Rick reflected. “As a parent, it brings about some nerves, but seeing him contribute meaningfully is incredibly gratifying.”
As the gold medal matchup with the U.S. loomed closer, the atmosphere among the Warriors players was intriguingly mixed.
Gui Santos, who hails from Brazil, joked lightheartedly about the friendly rivalry, noting how teammates were split in their support. “Some were rooting for Macklin, while others were on Team USA. At the end of the day, we were happy for Macklin but still wanted America to win,” Rick remarked. “It’s all in good fun.”
Macklin didn’t take part in the overtime but expressed that the “bitter” feelings from the loss would linger. His father shared similar sentiments after the game.
“Macklin reacted just as I expected. He was pretty uneasy after the match, upset with himself and how things turned out. But maybe, these feelings are what drive him, like many athletes,” Rick said.
In a true Canadian spirit, Macklin reflected on the implications of the game. “Honestly, even though we lost, the Americans winning might turn out to be good for the sport. It heightens the rivalry and boosts hockey’s profile in Canada. And let’s be real, hockey is a cornerstone of our identity up north.”
