Steel Alumnus Macklin Celebrini Wins Hobey Baker Memorial Award
April 12, 2024 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Chicago Steel News Release
GENEVA, ILLINOIS - For the second year in a row, a former Chicago Steel forward has captured the most coveted award in collegiate hockey. Macklin Celebrini was announced as the winner of the 2024 Hobey Baker Memorial Award on Friday, the annual award given to the top NCAA men's ice hockey player. He is the fourth Steel alumnus to win the award.
Celebrini posted one of the most impressive rookie campaigns in college hockey in his first season at Boston University. At just 17 years old, he was the youngest player in college hockey this season. He skated in 37 games and finished second in the NCAA in points (64) and goals (32). He concluded the regular season as the leader in points per game (1.69). In three NCAA Tournament games, he posted a goal and four assists and was a +7 rating.
Celebrini became just the fourth player in league history to win Hockey East Player and Rookie of the Year in the same season and just the fourth freshman since 2000 to record 30 goals and 30 assists in the same season, finishing as the Hockey East scoring champion while being named to the conference's All-Rookie Team. He was also named a First Team All-Star and New England Division I All-Star and was awarded New England Rookie of the Year.
Celebrini is ranked by NHL Central Scouting as the top North American skater ahead of the 2024 NHL Draft.
Last season, Celebrini took the USHL by storm, recording 86 points in his 2022-2023 campaign, the most by any U17 player in league history. He was named the USHL Player of the Year, Forward of the Year and Rookie of the Year, becoming just the second player in league history to earn all three awards in a single season. He was also named to the All-USHL First Team and was a USHL All-Rookie Team selection.
Earlier this season, Celebrini represented Canada at the World Junior Championship, where he led the team with four goals and four assists for eight points.
Celebrini follows Steel alumnus Adam Fantilli (Steel 2020-2022) who earned the 2023 Hobey Baker Memorial Award after a tremendous season at the University of Michigan that saw him lead the NCAA in points (65) and points per game (1.83). Fantilli was drafted third overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2023 NHL Draft.
The first two Hobey winners that played for the Steel were Andy Miele (Steel 2006-2008) who won the award in 2011 while playing for Miami (Ohio) University, and Drew Leblanc (Steel 2006-2008) who won the award in 2013 while with St. Cloud State.
The Steel will close out the regular season this weekend with $2 Hot Dogs, Sodas, and Popcorn and $3 Beer on Friday, April 12 and Fan Appreciation Night with hundreds of prizes for fans on Saturday, April 13.
The Steel will take on the Muskegon Lumberjacks at 7:05 pm on Friday and 6:05 pm on Saturday.
STEEL ALUMNI TO WIN HOBEY BAKER MEMORIAL AWARD 2011 Hobey Baker: Andy Miele (2006-2008)
2013 Hobey Baker: Drew LeBlanc (2006-2008)
2023 Hobey Baker: Adam Fantilli (2020-22)
2024 Hobey Baker: Macklin Celebrini (2022-23)
Chicago Steel Upcoming Schedule presented by Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush: Friday, April 12 vs. Muskegon Lumberjacks (7:05 pm CT) | $2 Hot Dogs, Sodas, and Popcorn | $3 Beers Saturday, April 13 vs. Muskegon Lumberjacks (6:05 pm CT) | Fan Appreciation Night | Hundreds of Prizes
2024 Clark Cup Playoffs - First Round (best-of-three)
Game 1: Monday, April 15 at Green Bay, Muskegon or Youngstown (Time TBD)
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