Men's Ice Hockey 6/6/2023 11:32:00 AM Chicago Steel

MACKLIN CELEBRINI NAMED USHL PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Celebrini becomes first player in USHL history to win Player, Rookie and Forward of the Year awards in same season

GENEVA, ILLINOIS — Chicago Steel forward Macklin Celebrini has been named 2023 United States Hockey League Player of the Year, the league announced Friday. Celebrini became the first player in USHL history to win Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year and Forward of the Year in the same season.

Celebrini is the third Steel player and first Steel rookie to win the Player of the Year Award, joining Sean Farrell (2020-2021) and Andrew Miller (2008-2009).

The 16-year-old Vancouver, British Columbia native was also named to the All-USHL First Team, All-Rookie First Team. Playing in 50 regular season games, the Boston University commit won the scoring title with 86 points (46G, 40A), leading all USHL players in points and goals.

He shattered the USHL record for most points by a U17 player (69, Taylor Cammarata, Waterloo, 2011-2012). Cammarata is the only other USHL player to win Player, Rookie and Forward of the Year, winning Rookie of the Year in 2011-2012 before being named Forward and Player of the Year in 2012-2013.

Celebrini's 46 goals was just shy of the franchise record for most single-season goals, held by Matt Coronato (48, 2020-2021). He broke the Steel franchise record for most single-season power play goals with 21, previously held by Matt Coronato (19, 2020-2021). His eight game-winning goals tied the second most in franchise history. On Feb. 18 against USA Hockey NTDP (U17), Celebrini became the first Steel player in franchise history to score five goals in a game.

"To dominate in the USHL at 16 years old is remarkable," said Steel Head Coach and General Manager Mike Garman. "In addition to being a phenomenal player, Mack is a true leader and great teammate. He generates high quality scoring chances in all situations and finds ways to put his teammates in great positions all over the ice. He's extremely competitive and relentlessly wins puck battles. Mack is an incredible combination of skill, hockey IQ, and competitiveness."

The Steel will take on the Youngstown Phantoms in the best-of-five Eastern Conference Final starting with the first two games at home, Friday and Saturday, May 5 and 6, before the series shifts to Youngstown for Games 3 & 4 (if necessary) on Monday and Tuesday, May 8 and 9. If there is a Game 5, it would be played at the Fox Valley Ice Arena on Thursday, May 11.

Eastern Conference Final tickets are now on sale and may be purchased at the Steel Box Office at Fox Valley Ice Arena, by phone at 855-51-STEEL or online at ChicagoSteelHockeyteam.com. Fans with questions should email info@ChicagoSteelHockeyTeam.com to learn more.

All Chicago Steel tickets are digital and available on mobile devices. Fans should create their profile online by clicking here. For more information on digital tickets for the Chicago Steel, click here. Fans attending Steel home games this season are encouraged to purchase tickets prior to arriving at the arena to avoid any delays on game night.

Season ticket plans for the 2023-2024 season are now on sale starting at just 5 games for just $50.

Upcoming Schedule presented by Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush:
Eastern Conference Final – Best-of-Five
#1 Steel vs. #2 Youngstown
Game 1: YNG at Steel - Friday, May 5, 7:05 pm at Fox Valley Ice Arena
Game 2: YNG at Steel - Saturday, May 6, 7:05 pm at Fox Valley Ice Arena
Game 3: Steel at YNG - Monday, May 8 at 6:05 pm at Covelli Centre
Game 4 (if necessary): Steel at YNG - Tuesday, May 9 at 6:05 pm at Covelli Centre
Game 5 (if necessary): YNG at Steel - Thursday, May 11, 7:05 pm at Fox Valley Ice Arena
All times CST
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