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.

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.

Macklin Celebrini returns to his hometown of Vancouver, BC, for the first time in his San Jose Sharks and NHL career.

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.

Elias Pettersson scored twice for the Vancouver Canucks in their 4-3 victory over the San Jose Sharks and Macklin Celebrini.

The Vancouver Canucks welcomed the San Jose Sharks to Rogers Arena on Monday for both teams’ final test before the holiday break. Mired in three and four-game losing streaks respectively, it was a battle of struggling squads hoping to launch into Christmas on a positive note.