Collision Course: Macklin Celebrini’s Rough Night Ends With Unexpected Accident…see more…
San Jose, CA — What was already a frustrating night for San Jose Sharks rookie Macklin Celebrini turned unexpectedly worse when the New York Rangers’ team bus accidentally backed into his car following a blowout game at the SAP Center. The incident, though minor in damage, quickly made waves across the NHL community, providing a symbolic and ironic exclamation point to one of the Sharks’ most challenging games this season.
From Ice to Asphalt: A Night to Forget
On March 29, 2025, the Sharks hosted the Rangers in what was expected to be a competitive late-season matchup. For Celebrini, the league’s top rookie and No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, it was a night where little went right. On the ice, he finished with a -4 rating and was held off the scoresheet in a 6–1 thrashing by a red-hot Rangers squad making a playoff push.
But as the saying goes, when it rains, it pours.
As the Rangers were departing postgame, their team bus — a standard white charter — reversed out of the loading dock area and accidentally struck Celebrini’s parked Range Rover. The incident occurred just outside the arena, where both teams often park their vehicles during games. Witnesses on site, including staff, family members, and local media, were surprised as the situation unfolded.
Witnesses Speak Out
According to fans and onlookers who spoke with San Jose Hockey Now, the moment unfolded quickly. Several shouted warnings as the bus neared the row of parked cars. Unfortunately, it was too late to prevent contact.
“It looked like the driver didn’t see the Range Rover. It wasn’t a full crash, but there was definitely contact,” said Ashley Frame, who captured photos of the damage.
The pictures showed light scrapes to the front-right bumper and under the headlight of Celebrini’s luxury SUV. Fortunately, no one was inside the vehicle at the time, and there were no injuries reported. Celebrini himself, visibly tired and mildly annoyed, came out to inspect the damage before driving off quietly.
Celebrini’s Calm Reaction
Despite the shock of seeing his car hit by a 40-foot charter bus, Celebrini kept his composure. Eyewitnesses described him as frustrated but composed. According to one observer:
“You could tell he wasn’t thrilled, but he didn’t make a scene. He just looked it over, sighed, and left.”
The rookie has shown remarkable maturity throughout his debut NHL season, and this incident was no exception. His response reflected a calm demeanor, a credit to his focus amid growing pains on a struggling Sharks team.
Humor From the Locker Room
As the story spread on social media and NHL forums, fans and teammates responded with a mixture of sympathy and humor. The Sharks’ official X (formerly Twitter) account even took a playful jab at the situation with a poll asking fans, “Who would you trust to drive the team bus?” — a tongue-in-cheek nod to the evening’s events.
Teammate William Eklund joked during postgame interviews that “maybe we should all take Ubers from now on.” Celebrini himself, when asked about the incident later in the week, chuckled and replied, “Let’s just say I’m not riding the Rangers’ bus anytime soon.”
No Official Complaint Filed
The Rangers’ organization did not release a formal statement, and no charges or complaints were filed. Insurance agents were likely contacted, and the matter appeared to be settled quietly behind the scenes. Given that the damage was cosmetic, it’s expected the repairs will be minor and covered through team insurance or Celebrini’s personal policy.
The Sharks’ front office also confirmed there was no disciplinary action or further investigation into the incident. All parties considered it an accident — unfortunate, but harmless.
The Ironic Symbolism
For hockey fans and analysts, the accident carried poetic irony. Celebrini had just endured one of his toughest nights as a professional — getting dominated on the ice, seeing his team crumble defensively, and then walking out to find his car hit by the opposing team’s bus.
NHL analyst Ryan Lambert commented during a podcast taping the next day:
“It’s the kind of night that ends with you sitting in your car in silence… if it’s still in one piece.”
While it was an unusual event in the usually predictable logistics of postgame NHL operations, it captured the hearts of fans for its symbolism: a promising young star facing adversity — both physical and metaphorical.
Celebrini’s Impressive Rookie Season
Despite the mishap, Celebrini remains a shining light in a dim Sharks season. At just 18 years old, he’s not only the team’s leading scorer but also a leading candidate for the Calder Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year, with over 50 points in 60 games. He’s handled the pressure with poise, whether battling on the ice or facing off against the press.
And now, apparently, even handling surprise encounters with rogue buses.
Moving Forward
The Sharks moved on quickly, traveling to Los Angeles for their next game against the Kings, while the Rangers continued their West Coast swing with rising confidence. The bus incident didn’t affect New York’s locker room either, and the team has shown strong chemistry in recent weeks.
For Macklin Celebrini, the incident is likely just a humorous footnote in what’s expected to be a long and successful career. It may not have been the smoothest ride out of the arena, but in the grand scheme, it’s a bump in the road — both literally and figuratively.
Even in defeat — and even in the parking lot — the NHL’s youngest star continues to show he can take a hit and keep moving forward.
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