San Jose Sharks teammates Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith traded sticks for spatulas in a charity cupcake showdown, with Celebrini’s side taking home the 2026 Elevated Cupcake Cup.
Sharks teammates meet in the kitchen
The young Sharks forwards took part in the Elevated Cupcake Experience, a Sharks Foundation benefit featured in a team video released Tuesday. The event had been auctioned during a club fundraiser last season, and fans had waited to see the two roommates square off away from the rink.
Celebrini and Smith each joined a four-person team for a one-hour baking challenge. Their assignment was to create a signature cupcake presentation, with the groups selecting their own flavors, colors, fillings, frosting, decorations and final display.
- Each team had one hour to complete the challenge.
- The bakers produced six cupcake flavors for judging.
- Celebrini and Smith competed on separate four-person teams.
- The event supported the Sharks Foundation.
Smith brings the pregame chirps
Smith did not pass up the chance to needle Celebrini before the tasting began. He questioned his roommate’s kitchen résumé, while admitting the people working alongside Celebrini appeared capable.
“I know Mack doesn’t do too much in the kitchen, so I’m not too worried about him,” Smith said. “His teammates do look like they know what’s going on, so I’m a little worried, but my team’s got it.”
The judging panel featured Sharks broadcaster Brodie Brazil, veteran forward Tyler Toffoli and Toffoli’s wife, Cat. Cat noted during the event that baking was very much in Smith’s wheelhouse and suggested he might not take a loss particularly well.
Celebrini’s team claims the cupcake cup
The final result went against Smith’s confident pre-bake scouting report. Celebrini’s group was named the 2026 Elevated Cupcake Experience champion and received the Elevated Cupcake Cup.
It was not the usual Sharks competition, but Celebrini’s team still found a way to finish on top—this time with frosting, filling and a charity prize rather than a puck in the net.
