The San Jose Sharks enter the 2008-09 NHL season following their best statistical season in franchise history. Last season, the defending Pacific Division Champions finished with 108 points and a fourth consecutive appearance in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
This year, the quest for the Cup continues. The talented team is geared up even more with many new pieces in place. Foremost is Head Coach Todd McLellan. The former assistant coach with the Detroit Red Wings comes to San Jose fresh off a Stanley Cup Championship.
The Sharks’ new bench boss brings with him a talented and experienced group of assistants, including former Chicago Blackhawks head coach Trent Yawney, who will serve as his number-two man. Rounding out the new staff are Todd Richards, last season’s head coach of the American Hockey League’s Wilkes/Barre Penguins; Jay Woodcroft, former video coach for the Red Wings; and Corey Schwab, former NHL goalie.
Meanwhile, veteran stars Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau and Jonathan Cheechoo are poised to lead the way, along with All-Star goalie Evgeni Nabokov (above), who led the league with 46 victories. Identifying the Sharks’ defense as an area for improvement, General Manager Doug Wilson also added Stanley Cup Champions Rob Blake, Dan Boyle and Brad Lukowich.
Along with the core of the team, emerging stars Milan Michalek, Joe Pavelski, Ryane Clowe, Christian Ehrhoff and Douglas Murray return this season, joined by youngsters Marc-Edouard Vlasic, Torrey Mitchell and Devin Setoguchi. Fan favorite and NHL great Jeremy Roenick is also back from last season; the ageless wonder enters his 20th NHL season and is one of the most vocal leaders in the locker room.
Sharks fans will also be excited about new merchandise: an alternate sweater to be worn at home games periodically throughout the year. Presented by Seagate Technology, these nights will be known as “BlackArmor Nights.”
Fans, get ready to roar.
Where: Games at the HP Pavilion, 525 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose)
Schedule:
Oct 2: Montreal. 7pm.
Oct 5: Salt Lake City. 6pm.
Oct 9: Anaheim. 7:30pm.
Oct 11: Los Angeles. 7pm.
Oct 14: Columbus. 7:30pm.
Oct 18: Philadelphia. 7:30pm.
Oct 28: Pittsburgh. 7:30pm.
Oct 30: Detroit. 7:30pm.
Ticket Info: Season tickets and 10-game SharkPaks are available by calling 408/999-5757. Individual tickets can be purchased at the HP Pavilion ticket office, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at 408/998-TIXS, 415/421-TIXS or 510/625-TIXS. Visit www.sjsharks.com for more.
