Summer Shark Bytes – August 15, 2017

Welcome back to another edition of Summer Shark Bytes, your quick round up of anything and everything Sharks related we can scrounge up in the “is it October yet” part of the calendar year.

Dave Barr Named Assistant Coach

A new “eye in the sky” for the Sharks will be Dave Barr, who is familiar to San Jose Head Coach Peter DeBoer.  Barr has made numerous stops in his professional coaching career.  He was with Florida last season, Buffalo in 2015-16, New Jersey with DeBoer during his Stanley Cup Final run from 2011-15, Minnesota from 2009-11, and Colorado in 2008-09.

This likely means Johan Hedberg will be behind the bench with DeBoer and his fellow assistant coaches Steve Spott and Rob Zettler.

Former Sharks Winger Tony Granato Named Team USA Hockey Coach for 2018 Olympics

There’s a new guy at the helm for USA Hockey’s Men’s Olympic Team.  Tony Granato was named head coach for the 2018 Olympics in Pyongyang, South Korea.  He was the head coach for the Colorado Avalanche from 2002-04 and again for the 2008-09 season, is currently the head coach for the University of Wisconsin Men’s Hockey Team.  Granato wore teal from 1996-2001 scoring 57 goals, 42 assists in that span.  He also won the team’s first ever award as the Bill Masterton Trophy winner for perseverance to the game of hockey as he battled back from a brain injury the season prior to his arrival in San Jose.

NBC & NBCSN Presents Most “Diverse” NHL Schedule Ever

For those yearning for the NHL on NBC to go outside the Metropolitan Division and Chicago for their national games, you’re slowly getting your wish.  NBC Sports Group unveiled their 99 game coverage of the National Hockey League with teams you probably haven’t seen on NBC or NBCSN unless they had to for the playoffs.

Toronto and Edmonton (or should I say for the real reason they’re covering them) and their mega future stars Auston Matthews and Connor McDavid will be seen three times this season on both networks.

The newbie in town, the Vegas Golden Knights will get five games on NBCSN including their first ever home game on October 10th vs. Arizona.

As for San Jose, the Sharks, who usually get on a number of times (thanks to having regional rights within the peacock conglomerate and having the unreal services of Randy Hahn) will be shown six times this season:

Wednesday, October 4th vs. Philadelphia 7:30 PM PT
Tuesday, October 17th vs. Montreal 7:30 PM PT
Wednesday, November 1st vs. Nashville 7:30 PM PT
Wednesday, November 8th vs. Tampa Bay 7:30 PM PT
Thursday, March 1st vs. Chicago 7:30 PM PT
Thursday, March 22nd vs. Vegas 7:30 PM PT

All home games and some might be blacked out as they might be a simulcast on NBC Sports California.

Now, you’re asking about why diverse was shown in quotation marks?  Yes, while the Maple Leafs, Oilers, and the Golden Knights are getting some love, here are the teams that aren’t:

Anaheim  4
Arizona 1
Calgary 0
Carolina 1
Columbus 2
Colorado 1
Dallas 2
Florida 1
New Jersey 1
NY Islanders 1
Ottawa 1 (NHL 100 Classic)
Vancouver 0
Winnipeg 0

Trying to figure this out.  Columbus and Anaheim who had the 4th and 6th best point totals in the league respectively, aren’t on more?! Ducks on four times, Blue Jackets on only twice, while teams who missed the playoffs like Philadelphia, Los Angeles and Detroit are on more than a dozen times.  Location you say?  So, explain the Devils and Islanders lone appearance?

No doubt, glad every American team gets on.  However, do we need to see Chicago 17 times, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh 16 times, while the Capitals, Red Wings and Bruins are on 15 times, don’t forget Los Angeles 12 times.  Three teams mentioned there missed the playoffs.

Barclay Re-signs?  Ohhhhh Good(row) for You!
Forward Barclay Goodrow who has been up and down with the Sharks the past three seasons, re-signed with the organization for the next two seasons at an average annual salary of $650,000 USD.  Goodrow is expected to battle for a bottom six spot at training camp next month.

The 24 year old forward is coming off back to back 20+ goal seasons for the San Jose Barracuda. He actually broke the news himself on Twitter:

Two more years in teal!!!!

— Barclay Goodrow (@bgoodrow23) August 7, 2017

Times Are A Changin’
The Sharks had five start times change to their schedule.  Those planning to go to the first regular season Sharks game in Vegas, get on an earlier flight.

DATE	OPPONENT	ORIGINAL START	NEW START
Nov. 24	@ Vegas Golden Knights	7:00 p.m.	3:00 p.m.
Dec. 10	Minnesota Wild	5:00 p.m.	6:00 p.m.
Dec. 23	Los Angeles Kings	7:30 p.m.	7:00 p.m.
March 1	Chicago Blackhawks	7:30 p.m.	7:00 p.m.
March 22	Vegas Golden Knights	7:30 p.m.	7:00 p.m.

 

Odds on Sharks? Eh Not Bad

If you like to bet on sports, and love your Sharks, well, if they go all the way, you’ll make some nice moolah.  Vegas odds came out courtesy of TheScore.ca put Team Teal in the middle of the pack at 20/1.  As for the rest of the league, oddsmakers give the Penguins the front runner to a three peat with Connor McDavid’s Edmonton Oilers right behind them.  Here’s the list.  Vegas, if you got guts, bet on your team.

TEAM	ODDS
Pittsburgh	6/1
Edmonton	9/1
Tampa Bay	12/1
Washington	12/1
Chicago	12/1
Minnesota	12/1
Toronto	14/1
Nashville	14/1
Montreal	16/1
New York Rangers	16/1
Dallas	14/1
Anaheim	14/1
San Jose	20/1
Los Angeles	20/1
Columbus	25/1
Ottawa	30/1
Boston	30/1
St Louis	30/1
Calgary	30/1
Florida	40/1
New York Islanders	50/1
Philadelphia	50/1
Winnipeg	50/1
Buffalo	60/1
Carolina	60/1
Colorado	100/1
Detroit	200/1
New Jersey	200/1
Arizona	200/1
Vancouver	200/1
Vegas	200/1

The Return of Fan Fest

Cancelled last year due to the World Cup of Hockey proceedings, the Sharks announced the return of Sharks Fan Fest, set for Saturday September 24th at the Shark Tank.  There will be autographs from some current Sharks/Barracuda players and many Sharks alums.  Some photo booths with current players.  Also returning this year, the beer garden.  For an additional $75, you can enjoy food and beer from some of your favorite Sharks.

Instead of a rookie game (since there’s a rookie tournament earlier in September) there will be the first ever Legends Game.  Some of your favorite former Sharks will play a game at 5pm.  Friend of the site, Brodie Brazil will also play in this scrimmage, which should provide many funny segments for Sharks Pregame Live and Sharks Central for NBC Sports California.

Pizza Factory Becomes Official Sharks Pizza

Four in the net, pizza you get.  One of the memorable promotions at the tank.  Ok that’s not likely returning, but it is pizza talk on the Sharks hockey site.  Pizza Factory was named the official pizza of the San Jose Sharks.  Slightly surprising as the chain has one location in Willow Glen along with the four closest spots in Carmel, Salinas (2), and Patterson.

Yours truly loves pizza, so gotta give this place a shot.

Sharks Add More to the Promotional Giveaways

Since the 25th Anniversary season, the Sharks have majorly stepped up their game in giveaway items, and the team will continue that this season.  The team added more giveaways than already announced.  Here’s the list of the games you’ll want to get to early (and for some, post on eBay once they’re in their seats.)

DATE / OPPONENT	PROMOTIONAL GIVEAWAY
Oct. 4 vs PHI	Opening Night Street Rally
Oct. 14 vs NYI	Los Tiburones Jersey
Nov. 4 vs ANA	Star Wars Night w/ Poster
Nov. 25 vs WPG	Marshawn Lynch Beast Mode Bobblehead
Dec. 9 vs OTT	Captain Joe Pavelski Bobblehead / Super Hero Night
Feb. 18 vs DAL	Lunar New Year Shirt
Apr 7 vs MIN	Burns & Thornton Barber Shop Bobblehead
	All Fans Receive Giveaways

 

There will also be special event theme nights throughout the year.  Those will require a special theme night ticket.  Stay tuned for more.

Barracuda Giving Away Too

The Sharks AHL affiliate, stepping up their game big time with a massive promotional schedule!  Here’s a look at what’s planned so far courtesy of SJBarracuda.com:

HOME OPENER – FRI, OCT 13 AT 7PM

San Jose Barracuda hockey is BACK! The home opener at SAP Center is a Western Conference Finals rematch against the current reigning Calder Cup Champions – the Grand Rapids Griffins. Don’t miss out on the action or the $2 beers and $1 hot dogs!

 

HAT TRICK OR TREAT – SAT, OCT 14 AT 1:15PM

It’s a ‘Cuda costume party! Show off your costumes before Halloween for double the fun, participate in the parade during the first intermission, and stop by the candy stations in Frenzy’s Fun Zone for treats.

MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY – SAT, NOV 11 AT 1:15PM

Join your San Jose Barracuda in thanking the troops during Military Appreciation Day!

SUPERHERO DAY – SAT, NOV 18 AT 1:15PM

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s a Barracuda fan dressed as his or her favorite superhero! Come to the Barracuda day game and show off your cape, mask, or any other costume attire.

PUCKS & PAWS – SUN, NOV 26 AT 3PM

Have you ever wanted to watch a Barracuda game with man’s best friend? This is the night! Bring your canine friends for this special treat (dog ticket must be purchased per pet). Waiver must also be completed. Don’t miss out on the bobblehead giveaway AND the specialty jerseys worn by the Barracuda in-game! Jerseys can be purchased through a silent auction or blind auction day-of-game.

Giveaway: Marc-Edouard Vlasic Bobblehead (first 4,000 humans in attendance)

FIGHTER PILOT NIGHT – SAT, DEC 16 AT 7PM

Get in on the fighter pilot fun as your Barracuda wear special uniforms (aka jerseys). Earn your wings at the game by receiving the bobblehead giveaway and bidding on a jersey in the silent or blind auction. Giveaway: Joe Pavelski and Justin Braun Bobblehead (first 4,000 fans in attendance)

‘CUDA CHRISTMAS (+TEDDY TOSS) NIGHT – FRI, DEC 22 AT 7PM

Celebrate the hockey holidays early at a San Jose Barracuda game and make it rain teddy bears! Specialty jerseys will be worn in-game and can be bid on in the silent or blind auction day-of-game. Donation Drive: Teddy Bears (or any stuffed animal)

• Fans are encouraged to bring a new or lightly used stuffed animal to the game
• Fans will toss teddy bears onto the ice at the Barracuda’s first goal
• Please refrain from throwing any other objects onto the ice other than the bears

TUXEDO DAY – MON, JAN 15 AT 1:15PM

There is no better way to spend a day off with the family than at a Barracuda game – especially when it’s Teal Tux Night! Your Barracuda will be wearing Teal Tux jerseys during the game, which can be bid on in the silent or blind auction day-of-game.

Giveaway: Brent Burns and Joe Thornton Bobblehead (first 4,000 fans in attendance)

FRENZY’S BIRTHDAY – SAT, FEB 3 AT 7PM

Celebration time, Frenzy turns 2! Put on your party hats and come see Frenzy and all his mascot friends cheer on the Barracuda! Take photos with your favorite mascots in the Fun Zone and see them play an intermission game on the ice. Don’t miss out on the mascot takeover at the SAP Center and the birthday fun!

CRAZY HAIR DAY – SAT, FEB 10 AT 1:15PM

Seize the day and show off your crazy locks! Gel it, curl it, or color it – we want to see every shape and color in SAP Center!  Paging Rocket Backhander returning

BARRACUDA BLACKOUT – SAT, MAR 10 AT 5:30PM

It’s time to blackout the Barracuda game! Black Armor jerseys return one last time.  They will be worn on the ice the entire game, which can be bid on in the silent or blind auction day-of-game. Wear black to support the home team and blackout the SAP Center. Get to the arena early to receive a black Barracuda jersey!

Giveaway: Black Barracuda Jersey (first 4,000 fans in attendance)

BEACH DAY – SAT, APR 7 AT 1:15PM

Celebrate the spring warmth by coming to an ice rink to watch the Barracuda play in specialty lifeguard jerseys – sleeveless and all! These specialty jerseys can be purchased in the silent or blind auction day-of-game on the concourse

FAN APPRECIATION NIGHT – FRI, APR 13 AT 7PM

You’ve supported us all season long, now it’s time to show our appreciation of you! See the Barracuda in their orange alternate jerseys and submit a blind bid for the chance to win one – right off the players’ backs after the game! Sit back and enjoy fan pack giveaways, season ticket member tribute videos, and a huge THANK YOU from us to you.

SCRATCHED PLAYER SIGNINGS

Two scratched players will sign autographs during the second intermission on the concourse by  the North Entrance of SAP Center (outside of sections 115-116). Signings will begin and end promptly at the start and end of the intermission period. Autographs are limited to one signed item per person. The seven intermission scratched player signings are on the following Sundays:

Sun, Nov 5 at 5PM

Sun, Nov 12 at 3PM

Sun, Nov 19 at 3PM

Sun, Dec 17 at 3PM

Sun, Feb 11 at 3PM

Sun, Mar 4 at 12PM

Sun, Mar 25 at 3PM

Your Countdowns:  
21 days until the 2017 Rookie Tournament at Solar4America Ice
26 days until Sharks Training Camp begins
36 days until Sharks Fan Fest
47 days until Sharks season opener vs. Philadelphia
56 days until Barracuda season opener vs. Grand Rapids

See you soon at the Tank!