© Isaiah J. Downing/Imagn
San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini is one of the top young stars in the entire NHL at just 19 years old. The top pick in the 2024 NHL Draft has the fourth-most points in the entire league and looks like a future NHL MVP candidate for years to come.
So it’s no surprise to learn that his trading cards, especially those that are autographed, are in high demand. But Celebrini doesn’t sign cards with his actual name.
Instead, he uses the name Chester, and the reason why is absolutely hilarious.
Macklin Celebrini’s Nickname Came From A Fake Steph Curry Quote
According to the trading card company Topps, Celebrini has been signing all of his cards as “Chester” because it’s the nickname he’s taken on.
However, the reason for the nickname, which seems to have stuck, isn’t exactly what he thinks.
Just how did Steph Curry come up with the nickname “Chester” for Macklin Celebrini? 🤔
During the 2024 NHL Draft, Curry gave Celebrini the nickname “Chester” because, as the Warriors star put it, “his hands are so filthy, just like after eating a big ol’ bad of Cheetos”.
While… pic.twitter.com/EP3XKTRKOn
— Upper Deck (@UpperDeckSports) February 7, 2026
Topps claims that during the 2024 NHL Draft, Curry nicknamed Celebrini Chester because “his hands are so filthy, just like after eating a big ol’ bag of Cheetos.”
Topps appears to be citing articles from The Athletic, Bleacher Report Open Ice, and ESPN’s Emily Kaplan.
There’s just one problem.
Curry never actually said that. In fact, the quote came from the X account @SnipeCity420, who satirically posted the sentence from Curry as if it were a real quote.
I don’t even know if Macklin Celebrini knows this is a satirical joke I made up.
If you’ve followed me long enough you know my schtick is making up cheesy player nicknames & relentlessly tweeting them. (e.g. Slippery Pete)
The Score & B/R Open Ice saw my satirical made up Steph… https://t.co/2ZkRbRa6Z8 pic.twitter.com/ZyiXcnJRjO
— SnipeCity420 (@SnipeCity420) February 7, 2026
Now, Celebrini’s father Rick is the Vice President of Player Health and Performance for the Golden State Warriors. So Curry and company are well aware of the NHL superstar and have been for years.
But the quote is still fake.
That being said, in the world of hockey, where most nicknames are boring and just mildly altered versions of the player’s actual name, Chester isn’t too bad. Celebrini should absolutely roll with it.
But it’s hilarious that he has assumed Curry was responsible for the origin this entire time.