Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith, two promising young forwards for the San Jose Sharks, recently drew attention for their dedication during a practice session. After their practice group concluded, the duo chose to remain on the ice for an additional 45 minutes. This commitment to their craft provides a glimpse into both their work ethic and the evolving culture of the Sharks franchise.
### A Rigorous Practice Session
The practice on Thursday was notably intensive, directed by head coach Ryan Warsofsky. The session began with special teams work, focusing on power plays and penalty kills, and transitioned into rigorous skating drills that tested the players’ endurance and capabilities. The group faced additional skating following a competitive game simulation in the center ice area. In this particular drill, the losing side, which included Smith and Celebrini, faced an extra skating session as a consequence of their performance.
Despite the added fatigue, Smith and Celebrini’s decision to stay on the ice was not surprising. Coach Warsofsky remarked on their drive and determination, emphasizing their role as leaders in the team. “Those guys are, from a work standpoint, they really drive the bus. They want to be on the ice as much as possible. They want to get better,” he noted. This kind of professionalism and dedication is progressively reshaping the team’s culture.
### Focusing on Skill Development
During their extended ice time, Celebrini and Smith worked alongside skills coach Mike Ricci, honing their one-timer shots—a critical skill for forwards, especially during power plays. Both players occupied their respective positions on the one-timer flanks as they executed drills, aiming to increase their effectiveness in lethal scoring opportunities.
Smith shared insights on their practice focus, noting, “We like staying out, just working on little shooting [from the] flank stuff.” This hands-on approach to skill development highlights the duo’s understanding of the intricacies involved in successful power-play execution. Smith added further depth to their training philosophy, stating, “You don’t want to be too static on a power play. I think the best ones are those that can move around, and guys can fill in different spots.”
### The Importance of Team Dynamics
As they worked on their shooting drills, it became evident that both players were not only focused on individual improvement but also on practicing team dynamics. Effective teamwork is essential during power plays. The synergy among players, particularly regarding positioning and movement, can significantly impact the outcome of scoring opportunities. “It is still super early,” Smith mentioned, reflecting on their training. “It’s only the second day working on it, so we’re trying to get a feel for it.”
The Sharks’ roster has seen recent changes, including the absence of veteran defenseman John Klingberg, sidelined due to an upper-body injury. This opened the door for defense prospect Sam Dickinson to man the point on the top power play unit. The significance of his presence—a left-handed player—was acknowledged by Smith as he discussed adjusting to Dickinson’s style compared to Klingberg’s right-handed approach, creating new dynamics for themselves as forwards.
### A Look Ahead
The Sharks are gearing up for their second preseason game, scheduled against the Vegas Golden Knights at SAP Center. With the puck drop set for 7 p.m. PT, anticipation is building within the fan base. The commitment exhibited by players like Celebrini and Smith during practice will not only influence their own development but also contribute to the team’s overall performance in the coming season.
The Sharks are in a transitional phase, focusing on growth and improvement both as individuals and as a unit. With a mix of seasoned veterans and eager young talent, the dedication shown by Celebrini and Smith during their extended ice time reflects a philosophy centered on hard work and resilience—a crucial component for any team aspiring to increase its competitiveness in the NHL.
### Conclusion
Celebrini and Smith’s decision to stay on the ice after practice underscores a cultural shift within the San Jose Sharks, emphasizing the significance of commitment and work ethic. As young players in the league, their determination not only serves as a personal mantra but also sets an example for their peers. It is this dedication that could potentially drive the Sharks into a more successful era as they navigate the challenges ahead.
For fans and analysts alike, keeping an eye on the development of players like Smith and Celebrini will be essential in understanding how the Sharks evolve as a team. The blending of youthful vigor and tactical gameplay may just lead the Sharks to reclaim their place as a contender in the league.
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