Sharks Sign Semenov

SAN JOSE, Calif. – San Jose Sharks Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Wilson announced today that the club has signed defenseman Alexei Semenov to a one-year contract. Per club policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Semenov, 26, started the 2006-07 season playing for Ufa Salavat Yulayev in Russia where he posted three points (one goal, two assists) and 32 penalty minutes in 23 games. He then appeared in 23 games for the Florida Panthers, registering five assists and 28 penalty minutes.
He also played in four games for Rochester (AHL).

The four-year veteran has played in 142 NHL games, posting five goals, 16 assists and 156 penalty minutes for Edmonton and Florida.

In addition to his NHL totals, Semenov has posted nine goals and 14 assists and 125 penalty minutes in 122 AHL games with Hamilton and Rochester and 30 goals and 80 assists and 269 penalty minutes in 159 Ontario Hockey League games with Sudbury.

The six-foot-six, 235-pound native of Murmansk, Russia was originally selected by Edmonton in the second round (36th overall) of the 1999 NHL Entry Draft.

Semenov played in the 2003-04 NHL YoungStars game representing Edmonton.

*Courtesy of the San Jose Sharks

SJ Sharks Unveiled New Logo

SAN JOSE, Calif. – The new look of Sharks Territory was unveiled at a 10 a.m. press conference by Sharks President and CEO Greg Jamison, Executive Vice President of Business Operations Malcolm Bordelon, defenseman Kyle McLaren and logo designer Terry Smith.

The re-branding included the unveiling of the updated Sharks logos, the re-launch of www.sjsharks.com and the re-opening of the Sharks Store.Click to watch the San Jose Sharks Official Logo Launch video (300K 700K ).

The new San Jose Sharks Primary Crest, joined by eight supporting marks, is both a re-imagination and a tribute to the original triangle logo used since the team’s inception in 1991.

The updated crest incorporates more Pacific Teal, the primary color of the Sharks, and emphasizes speed, strength and determination.

Smith, the designer of the original Sharks logo, created the new marks over an 18-month period in conjunction with Sharks players and front office.

Click here to view the Sharks Primary Crest and the eight supporting marks in the photo gallery.

“We put a lot of research into this and feel the fans will thoroughly appreciate the updated logo and new marks,” said Jamison. “The players were heavily involved in the process and they are extremely happy with the outcome.”

The new San Jose Sharks Primary Crest is both a re-imagination and a tribute to the original triangle logo used since the team's inception in 1991.The debut of the re-designed, more intimidating logo coincides with the launch of the new Rbk EDGE Uniform System, which the NHL has made the League standard beginning in the 2007-08 season. The Sharks new sweater will be unveiled in September.

The team also re-launched www.sjsharks.com this morning, featuring a cutting-edge video look at the new Sharks logo. The site, featuring the new look of Sharks Territory, has been modernized and upgraded to the new NHL Network.

The new-look, fan-friendly design will be seen on each of the League’s 30 team sites before the beginning of training camp in September. Fans can utilize the site to get the latest, most up-to-date information regarding Sharks hockey, view the latest in Sharks merchandise, take advantage of a number of special offers – including the Orchard Supply Hardware Free T-Shirt promotion – and much more.

“Our Website is an integral part of our organization from both an information standpoint and as a marketing tool,” said Bordelon. “The consistency the new NHL Network has established gives fans a much easier time navigating each team’s site.”

*Courtesy of the San Jose Sharks

Sharks Sign 07 First Round Draft Pick

SAN JOSE, Calif. – San Jose Sharks Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Wilson announced today that the club has signed center Logan Couture, the team’s first round (ninth overall) selection in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, to an NHL contract. In keeping with club policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Couture has spent the last two seasons with the Ottawa 67’s in the Ontario Hockey League. This past season, the Guelph, Ontario native ranked second on the team in points (78) and goals (26) and first in assists (52) in 54 games.

In five post season games, he lead the 67’s in points with eight (one goal, seven assists) in five games.In 2005-06, Couture led all Ottawa rookies in goals (25), assists (39) and points (64). His 64 points were third best overall on the team and third most for any OHL rookie. In six post season games, he led the 67’s in points with seven (three goals, four assists) in six games.

“We’ve followed Logan’s career and he comes from a great program,” said Wilson of the six-foot-one, 195-pount Couture. “Brian Kilrea and his staff always do a great job developing players. We worked hard to acquire Logan in the draft and we truly look forward to his progression as a player. He is a fine young man and we are happy to have him as part of our organization.”

*Courtesy of the San Jose Sharks

Sharks Resign Valette & Plihal

SAN JOSE, Calif. – San Jose Sharks Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Wilson announced today that the club has re-signed Group II restricted free agents left wing Thomas Plihal and left wing Craig Valette to one-year contracts. In keeping with club policy, financial terms of the deals were not disclosed.

In 2006-07, Plihal, 24, registered 15 points (6-9=15) and 28 penalty minutes with the Worcester Sharks, the top development AHL affiliate of the San Jose Sharks. Additionally, he made his NHL debut with the Sharks on Jan. 26 at Edmonton. In three games with San Jose, Plihal posted 10 shots on goal.

In 2005-06, Plihal set a career high with 30 points (11-19=30) in 74 games with Cleveland (AHL), including eight points (7-1=8) in his last seven games.

In 234 career AHL games with Worcester and Cleveland, the Frydlant, Czech Republic native has scored 89 points (38-51=89) and 123 penalty minutes.

The six-foot-one, 190-pound left wing was selected by San Jose in the fifth round (140th overall) of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.

In 2006-07, Valette, 24, was named one of three alternate captains for the Worcester Sharks. In 55 games, Valette registered career highs for goals (15), assists (11) and points (26) and scored the first short handed goal in Worcester history.In 2005-06, Valette registered 11 points (5-6=11) and 95 penalty minutes in 69 games for the Cleveland Barons (AHL).

In 259 career AHL games, Valette has posted 32 goals, 33 assists, 65 points and 343 penalty minutes.

The six-foot, 200-pound center from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan was originally signed by San Jose as a free agent on April 4, 2003.

* Courtesy of the San Jose Sharks

Worcester Signs Walsh to AHL Deal

WORCESTER - Worcester Sharks General Manager Wayne Thomas announced today that the club has signed defenseman Tom Walsh to an American Hockey League contract. Per club policy, terms of the deal were undisclosed.

The 23-year-old Walsh skated in 29 regular season games for Worcester and recorded one goal and eight assists for nine points. The 6-foot, 200-pound Arlington, MA native was stellar during the first round of the Calder Cup Playoffs tallying four points in just six games against the Manchester Monarchs during the first round.In addition to his 29 games with Worcester, Walsh played in 43 games for the Fresno Falcons and registered nine points (2+7=9).

The Harvard graduate played four seasons with the Crimson and recorded 40 points (9+31=40) in 125 games played.

*Courtesy of the Worcester Sharks

Sharks Sign Brad Norton

SAN JOSE, California (Ticker) The San Jose Sharks on Wednesday signed defenseman-left wing Brad Norton to a one-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Norton, 32, appeared in five games for the Detroit Red Wings last season, registering one assist and 20 penalty minutes. The 6-6, 235-pounder spent the majority of the season playing for Grand Rapids of the American Hockey League, where he had one goal and four assists in 43 games.

Norton was selected in the ninth round - 215th overall - of the 1993 draft. He has three goals and eight assists in 124 career games for the Florida Panthers, Los Angeles Kings, Washington Capitals, Ottawa Senators and Red Wings.

Sharks Sign Evans

SAN JOSE – San Jose Sharks Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Wilson announced today that the club has signed defenseman Brennan Evans to a one-year contract. Per club policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Evans, 25, appeared in 75 games registering 16 points (two goals,14 assists) and 170 penalty minutes with the Worcester Sharks, the top development AHL affiliate of the San Jose Sharks.Entering his fifth season as a professional, Evans has logged 260 career AHL regular season games, totaling six goals, 36 assists and 512 penalty minutes for Lowell, Binghamton and Worcester.

He also played two games for the Calgary Flames in the 2003-04 Stanley Cup Playoffs.The six-foot-four, 210-pound native of Camrose, Alberta was originally signed as a free agent by the Calgary Flames in 2003.

*Courtesy of the Worcester Sharks

Sharks Sign Offensive Trio

San Jose Sharks Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Wilson announced today that the club has re-signed Group II restricted free agents left wing Riley Armstrong, right wing Tom Cavanagh and right wing Mike Iggulden to a one-year contracts. In keeping with club policy, financial terms of the deals were not disclosed.

In 2006-07, Armstrong, 22, finished eighth on the Worcester Sharks, the top development AHL affiliate of the San Jose Sharks, with 36 points (19-17=36), all of which were career highs.
In 2005-06, Armstrong registered nine points (4-5=9) and 67 penalty minutes in 64 games for the Cleveland Barons (AHL).

In 2004-05, Armstrong, who was the youngest player on the Barons roster at the time, registered 19 points (8-11=19) in 70 games. Additionally, he registered an assist in his professional debut on Oct. 15, 2004 at Grand Rapids.

The five-foot-eleven, 185-pound left wing from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan was originally signed by San Jose as a free agent on Sept. 15, 2004.

In 2006-07, Cavanagh, 25, finished fourth on the Worcester Sharks, the top development AHL affiliate of the San Jose Sharks, with 44 points (12-32=44), all of which were career highs.
In 2005-06, the Warwick, Rhode Island native registered 21 points (10-11=21) in 62 games while playing for Cleveland (AHL). He missed the first 16 games of the season due to off-season surgery.

In 2004-05, Cavanagh registered 29 points (10-19=29) while playing in his senior season with Harvard University. Additionally, he led the team in goals, assists and points and was second in game-winning goals. In addition to being a semifinalist for the Walter Brown Award, Cavanagh was also named ECAC Defensive Forward of the Year and Second Team All-ECAC.
The six-foot, 200-pound right wing was selected by San Jose in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft (sixth round, 182nd overall).

In 2006-07, Iggulden, 22, finished third on the Worcester Sharks, the top development AHL affiliate of the San Jose Sharks, with 57 points (30-27=57). Additionally, the St. Catherines, Ontario native scored the shootout game-winning goal in Worcester’s first franchise win on Oct. 6, 2006.

In 2005-06, Iggulden tied the Cleveland Barons (AHL) record for power play goals by a rookie with 11. In addition, he registered 48 points (22-26=48) in 77 games.

In 2004-05, Iggulden played in six games with Rochester (AHL), where he scored one goal, after finishing his senior season at Cornell. In that same year, Iggulden also established a collegiate career high with 10 goals and 18 points.

The six-foot-three, 215-pound right wing was originally signed by San Jose as a free agent on Jan. 16, 2006.

*Courtesy of the San Jose Sharks

AHL Announces All*Star Date

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … American Hockey League President and CEO David Andrews announced today that the 2008 AHL All-Star Classic will take place on Sunday, January 27 and Monday, January 28 at the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena in Binghamton, N.Y.“

Binghamton has a rich tradition in the American Hockey League history and a tremendously loyal fan base,” said Andrews. “While the Broome County Arena is not our largest venue, it will provide a terrific setting for our fans, our guests and our All-Stars to celebrate and showcase AHL excellence.”

“We are extremely honored and pleased to be hosting the 2008 AHL All-Star Classic,” said Tom Mitchell, executive vice president of the Binghamton Senators. “The whole community is excited about the tremendous exposure and distinction that this premier event will bring to Binghamton and Broome County.”

The 2008 AHL All-Star Classic was awarded to Binghamton in February. In 2007-08, the city of Binghamton and the Broome County Arena will be commemorating their 35th season hosting professional hockey, including 26 as members of the American Hockey League. The Senators, top development team of the NHL’s Ottawa Senators, have called Binghamton home since 2002. This event will mark the city’s first AHL All-Star Classic.

The 2008 AHL All-Star Classic will feature the top young talent in the American Hockey League, competing in the AHL All-Star Skills Competition and the AHL All-Star Game.

Of the 427 players to take part in the AHL All-Star Classic since 1995, more than 92 percent have competed in the National Hockey League, including Patrice Bergeron, Pavol Demitra, Rick DiPietro, Patrik Elias, Miikka Kiprusoff, Chris Kunitz, Kari Lehtonen, Ryan Miller, Martin St. Louis, Eric Staal and Steve Sullivan, as well as current Ottawa Senators Jason Spezza, Ray Emery, Anton Volchenkov and Joe Corvo.

*Courtesy of the AHL

Stafford Signs With Wings

The Detroit Red Wings, parent club of the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins, announced on Monday the signings of eight players to contracts, including left wing Matt Ellis, who led the Griffins with 26 goals during the 2006-07 season.

“These players are valuable acquisitions for the Red Wings organization,” said Detroit assistant general manager Jim Nill. “In addition to greatly upgrading our team’s depth, we expect them to vie for a spot on the Red Wings' roster during training camp.”

Joining the Wings for the first time are forwards Carl Corazzini, Mark Cullen, Randall Gelech and Mark Hartigan; defensemen Brad Ference and Garrett Stafford; and goaltender Adam Berkhoel.

Stafford spent the last four seasons with San Jose's AHL affiliates, recording 40 goals and 110 assists for 150 points in 298 games. Last year, he had 41 points (11g, 30a) in 77 contests for Worcester.

Stafford was a Second Team AHL All-Star and an All-Rookie Team selection in 2003-04, when he compiled 12 goals and 34 assists for 46 points in 73 games for Cleveland.

*Courtesy of the Detroit Red Wings

Olson Injured In Accident

VANCOUVER ISLAND - Nick Teichert is fighting for his life in the intensive care unit of Victoria General Hospital after being critically injured in a plane crash Saturday, east of Port McNeill.
Friends are hoping his first plane ride will not be his last.

"He's in rough shape," family friend Barb Bonnell said in an interview. "He's on life support and they don't know if he's going to make it."

The 22-year-old works for Western Forest Products. He was on his way to the Merritt Mountain Music Festival with hockey player Glenn Olson, 23, and pilot Mike Xylinas, 34, when the four-seater Cessna 172 went down in rough terrain. Xylinas was killed instantly.
Olson, a National Hockey League prospect, is seriously injured with broken ribs and a collapsed lung.

On Sunday, Olson was able to give some information to investigators, said coroner Rose Stanton. After leaving Port McNeill at 10:27 a.m., the trio were sightseeing over the Nimpkish Valley when the plane went down in rough terrain.

"We have some idea of how the crash occurred and we're continuing with our investigation," said Stanton.

A post-mortem and routine toxicology studies will be conducted on Xylinas.
Transportation Safety Board investigator Bill Yearwood said the plane went down with high force and is badly damaged. "The way the aircraft went into the trees is similar to what one would find when an aircraft is out of control."

Friends have described Xylinas as an experienced, "amazing" pilot. Yearwood said he was not aware of any accidents or reportable incidents on his flight record.

*Courtesy of the Vancouver Sun

Ballou Wins AHL Award

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League announced today the 2006-07 recipients of the James H. Ellery Memorial Awards, presented annually by the league in recognition of outstanding media coverage of the AHL in three categories

.This year’s winners are Worcester Sharks beat writer Bill Ballou (in the newspaper category); Toronto Marlies play-by-play broadcaster John Bartlett (radio); and sports director Mark Giangreco of WLS-TV (ABC 7) in Chicago (television).

On the AHL beat in Worcester since 1994, Bill Ballou is the authoritative source for American Hockey League information in the area. His extensive coverage in the Telegram & Gazette includes recaps and notes columns for every Worcester Sharks game, and his weekly AHL column is a must-read for fans, broadcasters and fellow writers alike. A lifelong hockey enthusiast himself, Ballou has also contributed AHL material to The Hockey News and to San Jose’s Sharks Magazine. He is now a two-time winner of the Ellery Award, having also received the honor in 1997-98.

The radio play-by-play voice of the Toronto Marlies, John Bartlett continued to promote the American Hockey League in Canada’s largest city in 2006-07. He negotiated an agreement to have Marlies games broadcast on AM640 Toronto Radio (also the radio home of the Toronto Maple Leafs), and was also instrumental in organizing the radio broadcast of the 2007 Rbk Hockey AHL All-Star Classic. Bartlett also contributes greatly to the Marlies’ community relations efforts, writes a popular column for the team’s Web site and makes regular appearances on Leafs TV that help educate the growing AHL fan base in Toronto.

Mark Giangreco is the sports director and the primary sports anchor at WLS-TV (ABC 7) in Chicago. A passionate hockey fan, Giangreco includes coverage of the AHL and the Chicago Wolves during the station’s top-rated 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts, gathering game highlights and dispatching crews to report on Wolves practices and media days in an effort to stay on top of the latest happenings around the team and the league. He is also a regular guest speaker at the Wolves’ annual Future Media Day, discussing his career in sports journalism and answering questions from attending students.

The James H. Ellery Memorial Awards, which were first presented in 1964, honor the late Mr. Ellery, who served the American Hockey League for 17 years as league secretary and publicity director.

*Courtesy of the AHL

AHL SIGNS NEW CBA

The American Hockey League and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association today announced the ratification of a new three-year Collective Bargaining Agreement.

The new CBA, which is effective through August 31, 2010, has been ratified by both the AHL’s Board of Governors and an overwhelming majority of AHL players. The existing agreement had been set to expire on August 31, 2007.

The CBA has been modified to include significant enhancements to the health and welfare plan currently offered to AHL players and their families, and includes a major restructuring of the revenue-sharing formula in the Calder Cup Playoffs.

The parties also agreed to a modification of the AHL roster regulation which specifies the number of “development players” on the 19-man playing roster. The modification allows AHL teams to qualify one skater with 320 or fewer games of pro experience as a “development player,” essentially creating another veteran lineup spot.

The restructuring of revenue sharing in the Calder Cup Playoffs will provide more flexibility to AHL clubs in marketing the early rounds of the postseason, while creating a more equitable sharing between the league and its players in the success of the Calder Cup Playoffs.

Under the new formula the league will pay a fixed amount into the players’ pool for first-round games, and an additional 32.5 percent of ticket revenues for all subsequent rounds.

“The American Hockey League has enjoyed a very positive relationship with our players and with the PHPA for many years,” said David Andrews, AHL President and CEO. “This new Collective Bargaining Agreement allows us to continue that relationship and enhance our competitive product, which is another positive step for our league, our players and our fans.”

“Having the ability to extend this agreement and continue to operate under stable labor/management relations was an opportunity that could not be overlooked,” said Larry Landon, Executive Director of the PHPA. “As we celebrate our 40th year of existence, enhancing and protecting player benefits remains our top priority within the Association, whereas the new playoff pool funding revision enhances the partnership between both organizations and serves to further grow the sport.”

*Courtesy of the AHL

SHARKS SIGN VETERAN DEFENSEMAN

WORCESTER - Worcester Sharks General Manager Wayne Thomas announced today that the club has re-signed veteran defenseman Patrick Traverse to a two-year American Hockey League contract. Per club policy, financial terms of the deal will not be disclosed.

“We are very excited to have Patrick Traverse sign with us,” said Thomas. “He adds stability and leadership to the Worcester Sharks lineup and adds significant depth to the San Jose Sharks organization.”

Traverse, an 11-year AHL veteran, completed the 2006-07 season with Worcester after being acquired on December 15, 2006 from the Montreal Canadiens organization in exchange for defenseman Mathieu Biron. The 6’4”, 207-pound defenseman finished the 2006-07 regular season having played in all 80 games and six playoff games. Traverse finished with 27 points (6+21=27) between the two teams.

“The hardest part about being a professional athlete is the travel and being away from family,” said Traverse. “The Sharks Organization has been fantastic to me and my family and it was a priority to sign here. It’s a great opportunity to stay home and play and my two young boys will be able to go to school here and stay near their friends. “I’m very excited,” he said.

The Montreal native and current Grafton, MA resident has appeared in 279 NHL games and recorded 65 points (14+51=65) and 113 penalty minutes. Traverse has also played six NHL playoff games, but has not registered a point.

“Patrick Traverse is a player we wanted to have back in the mix without question,” said Michael T. Lehr, President and CEO of the Worcester Sharks. “Patrick and his family are year round residents of Grafton and we are excited that he will be able to live at home and become an active member of the Worcester community while providing a strong, veteran presence on the blueline for the Worcester Sharks.

“This is a great day to be a Worcester Sharks fan.”

Traverse has also skated in 501 AHL games and registered 181 points (53+128=181). In 47 playoff games, the steady defenseman recorded 17 points in 47 games (4+13=17).

*Courtesy of the Worcester Sharks

STEVENSON SWIMS TO THE "C" OF RED

Calgary, AB - Calgary Flames General Manager Darryl Sutter announced today the signing of forward Grant Stevenson to a one year contract. As per club policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“I think it’s a good depth move for our organization," said Sutter in an afternoon press conference. "I like that he has some NHL experience, that he plays two positions and it was a number that worked for us."Stevenson, a 5’11”, 170 lbs right centreman has played 47 NHL games with the San Jose Sharks during the 2005-06 season where he registered 10 goals, 12 assists for 22 points and 14 penalty minutes. "Quite honestly he’s a player with experience," added Sutter. "We look at how young our farm team is and the ability to move players up and down, and it just gives us another tool."

A native of Spruce Grove, Alberta, Stevenson played his first NHL game in Calgary against the Flames on November 23, 2005 and record his first NHL goal on the same night.

*Courtesy of the Calgary Flames

BOLTS STRIKE:MATHIEU MOVES ON

TAMPA BAY – The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed free agent left wing Mathieu Darche to an one-year contract, Darche, a 6-1, 220-pound Montreal native, skated in 76 games with Worcester of the AHL and two games with the San Jose Sharks in 2006-07. The 30-year-old tallied 35 goals, 45 assists and 80 points with Worcester, leading the team in all three categories while finishing tied for sixth in goals and seventh in points in the AHL.

In 436 AHL games with Syracuse, Milwaukee, Hershey and Worcester, Darche has recorded 162 goals and 342 points. He led Milwaukee in goals (28) in 2003-04 as he helped the Admirals capture the Calder Cup.In 28 career NHL games with Columbus, Nashville and San Jose, Darche has recorded a goal and an assist. Before being signed as a free agent by Columbus in 2000, he played four seasons at McGill University in the Canadian Interuniversity Athletic Union, leading the league in scoring in 1999-2000 with 72 points in 33 games.

“Mathieu is a prolific scorer and outstanding playmaker at the AHL level, and will get a chance to compete for a spot on our roster in camp,” Feaster said. “He has great vision and very good hands and he shows excellent poise with the puck. He works hard and competes consistently, and he continues to post big numbers at the minor league level. We simply don't have enough quality veteran depth players like Mathieu in our organization, and we are very pleased Mathieu recognizes the opportunity we present.“Our scouting staff did an outstanding job identifying the depth players we wanted to target, and Claude Loiselle was relentless in pursuing good, solid contracts with both players. As a result, we are significantly better and deeper, organizationally, than we were prior to the start of free agency.”


*Courtesy of the Tampa Bay Lightning

SHARKS GIVE 7 PLAYERS QUALIFYING OFFERS

San Jose Sharks Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Wilson announced today that the club has extended qualifying offers to the following Group II restricted free agents:
Riley Armstrong C/RW
Tom Cavanagh C
Mike Iggulden C
Dimitri Patzold G
Thomas Plihal C
Craig Valette C

The following Group II restricted free agents were not issued qualifying offers and become free agents:
Michal Macho C
Glenn Olson LW

The following players can potentially become Group III unrestricted free agents on July 1, 2007:
Mathieu Darche LW
Scott Ferguson D
Bill Guerin RW
Scott Hannan D
Mark Smith C
Patrick Traverse D

The following players can potentially become Group VI unrestricted free agents on July 1, 2007:
Garrett Stafford D
Grant Stevenson C/RW

*Courtesy of the Worcester Sharks

SHARKS ANNOUNCE OPENING NIGHT

WORCESTER - President and CEO Michael T. Lehr announced today that Opening Night for the home portion of the Worcester Sharks 2007-08 season will take place on Saturday, October 13th at the DCU Center. In addition to Opening Night, Team Teal released five other home dates guaranteed by the American Hockey League. The remaining Worcester Sharks and AHL regular season schedules will be released in early August.

The following dates are scheduled home games for the Sharks 2007-08 season at the DCU Center:

*Saturday, October 13, 2007 (Opening Night)
Saturday, October 20, 2007
*Saturday, November 17, 2007
*Saturday, December 8, 2007
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Friday, January 18, 2008

* - Denotes Opening Hat Trick Pack game

In addition to these six dates, the Worcester Sharks have released an Opening Night Hat Trick Pack with three of the six dates listed above. The Opening Night Hat Trick Pack will include a Sharks baseball cap and a ticket in the Gold Level to a home game on Saturday, October 13th, Saturday, November 17th and Saturday, December 8th. To order your Opening Night Hat Trick Pack for just $49, simply click here.

*Courtesy of the Worcester Sharks

MACHO SIGNS WITH HC KOSICE

"Novou posilou klubu HC Košice sa stal útočník Michal Macho. V stredu podpísal s klubom dvojročnú zmluvu.

Michal Macho debutoval v slovenskej extralige v sezóne 2000/01 v drese Martina. Po dvojročnom pôsobení na Turci odohral tri sezóny za Slovan Bratislava a po tom, čo ho draftoval klub San José Sharks odišiel do Ameriky. V uplynulom ročníku pôsobil na farme vo Worchestri, kde získal v 27 zápasoch sedem bodov.

Dvadsaťpäťročný center pôsobil v juniorských reprezentačných výberoch Slovenska a 5-krát nastúpil aj za A-mužstvo.

Michal Macho sa narodil 17. januára 1982. Meria 185 cm a váži 85 kilogramov."

He will be playing in the Czech Rupublic.

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