State of the Sharks TONIGHT

Join the Worcester Sharks Booster Club as they host the 2010 State of the Sharks meeting TONIGHT at 7 p.m. in the Shark Tank.

Special guests will be Sharks CEO Mike Lehr, Sharks President Mike Mudd, and DCU Center GM Sandy Dunn. They will be there to discuss and answer questions about the previous season and to talk about the future of both the Sharks and DCU Center!

To get to the Shark Tank. Enter through the convention center (door 5) and up the elevator. Follow the signs to the Shark Tank!

Mike Mudd Named Team President

WORCESTER – Worcester Sharks CEO Michael T. Lehr announced the promotion of Michael Mudd to President of the Worcester Sharks.

Entering his tenth season with the organization, Michael Mudd will oversee the overall day-to-day business operations of the franchise while managing the Corporate, Ticket, Marketing, Community Relations, Public Relations, Merchandise, and Broadcasting departments. He will also continue to serve as the liaison with the San Jose Sharks regarding hockey related matters.

A native of Amherst, NY, the former professional and collegiate goaltender, and graduate of St. Lawrence University, has served in various capacities within the organization, the most recent as Senior Vice President of Business and Hockey Administration. Mudd will serve as President effective immediately.

“I would like to thank Michael Lehr for his continued support throughout the years and Greg Jamison for the opportunity to work for such a tremendous organization,” said Mudd. “I look forward to lead the Sharks on a day-to-day basis as we prepare for our fifth season of hockey in Worcester.”

President and CEO of the Worcester Sharks for the past four seasons, Michael T. Lehr was promoted as the Executive Vice President of Business Development for Silicon Valley Sports & Entertainment (SVS&E). Lehr will remain as the Chief Executive Officer for the Worcester Sharks.

* courtesy of the SJ Sharks

Schedule of Events for Mike Mudd

Mike Mudd will be calling into WTAG Tonight with Mike Messina tonight at 6:30 p.m. on Newstalk 580AM .

Mike Mudd will also be on hand for tonight's State of the Sharks meeting at the DCU Center at 7:30 p.m.

Finally, Mike Mudd will be throwing out the first pitch tomorrow night at the Worcester Tornadoes game.

Joslin & Zalewski Receive QO's

The San Jose Sharks have tendered qualifying offers to three players prior to the upcoming July 1 deadline. Among the skaters who have received QO’s are Devin Setoguchi, Steven Zalewski and Derek Joslin.

By tendering the offers, the Sharks keep the players on their reserve list as restricted free agents. As restricted free agents, the Sharks have the right to match any contract offered to the players or they have the ability to accept compensation in the form of draft picks (depending on the contract’s financial terms). San Jose also has the ability to continue negotiating with the players and have exclusive rights to this until Thursday.

San Jose did not qualify Daniel Rahimi, Matt Jones or Michael Vernace. Thus, Rahimi, Jones and Vernace will become unrestricted free agents on July 1 unless something changes.

*courtesy of the SJ Sharks

Sharks Draft Ferriero & Six Others

LOS ANGELES – The San Jose Sharks concluded the 2010 NHL Entry Draft Saturday with Sharks Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Wilson and Director of Scouting Tim Burke making seven selections in Rounds Two through Seven.

After selecting right wing Charlie Coyle on Friday night in the first round (28th overall) on Day One of the draft, the Sharks made their next selection in the third round (88th overall) on Saturday morning, choosing right wing Max Gaede from Woodbury High School in Minnesota. He was ranked 104th by Central Scouting among all North American Skaters.

Gaede posted 36 points (19 goals, 17 assists) and 36 penalty minutes in 25 games. The six-foot-two, 187-pound native of Maryland, Minn. also played in 11 games with Sioux City in the USHL, collecting two points (one goal, one assist) and two penalty minutes. He has committed collegiately to Minnesota State-Mankato but will play next season with Sioux City.

San Jose held three picks in the fifth round and selected RW/C Cody Ferriero (127th) from Governor’s Academy (HS) in Mass., center Freddie Hamilton (129th) from Niagara of the Ontario Hockey League and defenseman Isaac MacLeod (136th) from Penticton.

Ferriero, a five-foot-eleven, 190-pound center/right wing has committed to attend Boston College. He is the brother of Sharks prospect Benn Ferriero. Cody Ferriero had 40 points (21 goals, 19 assists) and 112 penalty minutes in 27 games and was ranked 117th by Central Scouting among all North American skaters. He was a member of the 2008 Select 17 U.S. squad.

Hamilton, ranked 62nd by Central Scouting among North American skaters, is a six-foot-one, 187-pound center who played last season with Niagara in the Ontario Hockey League. He posted 55 points (25 goals, 30 assists) and 12 penalty minutes in 64 games.

MacLeod, a six-foot-four, 205-pound defenseman was ranked as the 133rd North American skater by Central Scouting. He has spent last season with Penticton of the BCHL, where he posted 23 points (all assists) and 51 penalty minutes in 56 games.

The Sharks acquired a sixth round selection (163rd overall) from the Calgary Flames in exchange for G Henrik Karlsson. With that selection, San Jose grabbed defenseman Konrad Abeltshauser from Halifax in the QMJHL.Abeltshauser, a six-foot-five, 190-pound native of Bad Tolz, Germany, posted 25 points (five goals, 20 assists) and 28 penalty minutes in 48 games.

The Sharks also added a seventh round selection (200th overall) from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for San Jose’s seventh round selection in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

With their first selection in the seventh round (188th overall), the Sharks tabbed defenseman Lee Moffie from the University of Michigan. The six-foot-one, 200-pound native of Wallingford, Conn. played in 25 games as a freshman with Michigan, notching 12 points (four goals, eight assists) and 27 penalty minutes.

With the 200th overall selection, San Jose added right wing Chris Crane from Green Bay of the USHL. Last season en route to helping Green Bay capture the Anderson Cup (USHL regular season championship) and the Clark Cup (playoff championship), he posted 29 points (15 goals, 14 assists) and 107 penalty minutes in 52 games. He was ranked 181st among North American skaters by Central Scouting. He has committed to attending Ohio State University.

*courtesy of the SJ Sharks

Sharks Use 1st Pick To Draft Mass Native Coyle

LOS ANGELES – With the 28th overall selection in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, Sharks Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Wilson and Director of Scouting Tim Burke selected right wing Charlie Coyle.

Coyle spent last season with South Shore in the Eastern Junior Hockey League, where he was named Rookie of the Year. He is scheduled to attend Boston University in the fall.

With South Shore, Coyle posted 63 points (21 goals, 42 assists) and 50 penalty minutes in 42 games.The six-foot-two, 202-pound native of Weymouth, MA was ranked 24th among North American Skaters by NHL Central Scouting.

“He’s a smart, versatile player with size and strength and he can make plays,” said Burke. “He was the best player available to us and we’re happy to have him.”

Coyle, the cousin of former NHL players Tony Amonte and Bobby Sheehan, was selected to represent his country at the 2009 Ivan Hlinka Memorial as well as the 2009 Four Nations Cup where he scored the overtime winner against Switzerland wrapping up the tournament title for the U.S. with a 3-0 record.He received the 2010 John Carlton Award, given to an outstanding male student-athlete in an Eastern Massachusetts high school or junior hockey programThe

Sharks currently hold five selections on Day Two of the 2010 NHL Entry, which will resume tomorrow at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. Currently the Sharks have picks in the third (88th overall), fifth (127th, 129th, 136th overall) and seventh round (188th overall).

*courtesy of the SJ Sharks

Sharks Re-Sign Wallin & Nichol

SHARKS RE-SIGN CENTER SCOTT NICHOL

SAN JOSE, Calif. – San Jose Sharks Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Wilson announced today that the team has re-signed Group III un-restricted center Scott Nichol to a one-year contract In keeping with club policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Nichol, 35, established new career highs in points (19), assists (15) and games played (79) in 2009-10. He finished first in the NHL in faceoff percentage (60.6%) and 12th in the League in hits (226).

He made his Sharks debut Oct. 1 at Colorado. Prior to last season, Nichol had spent the last four seasons with the Nashville Predators. In 43 games during the 2008-09 season, Nichol posted 10 points (4-6=10) with 41 penalty minutes.

“We knew when we brought Scott in last season that he was ultra-competitive,” said Wilson. “Not only did he meet that expectation, but he also brought a very business-like mentality to the rink each night, stepping up as a leader and an important centerman for us.”

The five-foot-nine, 175-pound native of Edmonton, Alberta has played in 496 NHL games for San Jose, Nashville, Chicago, Calgary and Buffalo, collecting 111 points (48 goals, 63 assists), while accumulating 758 penalty minutes.

Nichol was originally drafted by Buffalo in the 1993 NHL Entry draft (11th round, 272nd overall).

SHARKS RE-SIGN DEFENSEMEN NICLAS WALLIN

SAN JOSE, Calif. – San Jose Sharks Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Wilson announced today that the club has re-signed Group III un-restricted free agent defenseman Niclas Wallin to a one-year contract. In keeping with club policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Wallin, 35, is a 10-year NHL veteran and won a Stanley Cup with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2006. He posted seven assists and 49 penalty minutes in 70 games with San Jose and Carolina this season and finished 16th among all NHL defenseman with 175 hits. Wallin was acquired from Carolina, along with a fifth round pick in the 2010 NHL draft, on Feb. 7 in exchange for a second round pick in 2010 (from Buffalo).In 540 NHL games, he has collected 71 points (18 goals, 53 assists) and 414 penalty minutes.

“Niclas is a physical veteran presence and will help solidify our blueline,” stated Wilson. “We were proud of the way he battled through a tough injury during the playoffs and are looking forward to having him at full health.”

Wallin has added eight points (three goals five assists) and 34 penalty minutes in 75 Stanley Cup Playoff games and has appeared in two Stanley Cup Finals series. All three of his post-season goals are overtime game-winners. He also represented his native Sweden at the 2008 World Championships, where he picked up four points (two goals, two assists) and 33 penalty minutes in 7 games.

The six-foot-three, 220-pound native of Boden, Sweden was selected by Carolina in the fourth round (97th overall) of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft.

*courtesy of the SJ Sharks

Andrew Desjardins Re-Signed

The San Jose Sharks have re-signed forward Andrew Desjardins to a one-year contract. His salary will be $80,000 in the American Hockey League and $500,000 in the National Hockey League.

Last year, Andrew played in all 80 Worcester regular season games posting 19 goals and 27 assists.

During the playoffs, Andrew had 4 points in 11 games while racking up 32 PIMS.

This will be Andrew's third season with the Sharks organization.

Marleau & Pavelski Back In Teal

SAN JOSE, Calif. – San Jose Sharks Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Wilson announced today that the club has re-signed Group III un-restricted free agent forward Patrick Marleau and Group II restricted free agent forward Joe Pavelski to four-year contracts. In keeping with club policy, financial terms of the deals was not disclosed.

“We are very pleased that Patty and Joe have committed to this organization now and in the future,” said Wilson. “They expressed a strong belief in the direction this franchise is heading but also understand the challenges to keeping a talented group like ours together.
Pavelski

“Both players had a tremendous regular season, excelled on the ice for their respective countries at the Winter Olympics and elevated their game in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. They have solidified their place in the game among the League’s top forwards and we are excited as an organization to have Joe and Patty back in San Jose to build on what we accomplished last season.”

Marleau, 30, recently completed his 12th NHL season, all of which have been played in San Jose. He ranks first on the all-time team’s list in nearly every offensive category, including games played (953), goals (320), assists (373), points (693), power play goals (97), game-winning goals (59) and shots (2,194).

Last season, Marleau set a career-high with 44 goals which tied for the second-most ever by a Sharks player in a single season (Nolan, 99-00). He finished fourth in the NHL in goals and 14th in the League in points (83). For the second consecutive season, Marleau was selected as the “Sharks Player of the Year” in a vote by the Bay Area media.

In addition, Marleau scored his 300th and 301st career NHL goals on Dec. 26 vs. Anaheim. He appeared in his 900th career game Dec. 1 vs. Ottawa and scored two goals. He became the fastest Shark to reach 30 goals in a season (47 games), surpassing Jonathan Cheechoo’s mark (50 games) from 2005-06. Marleau tied his career-high with a nine-game point streak from Oct. 17 - Nov. 4 and was named the NHL “Third Star of the Week” by recording nine points in four games from Oct. 19 - 25.

In the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Marleau helped lead the Sharks to the Western Conference Final, posting 13 points (eight goals, five assists) in 14 games. He scored the game-winning goals in Games Four (in overtime) and Five against the Detroit Red Wings in the Western Conference Semi-Finals. He also added five goals in four games against the Chicago Blackhawks in the Western Conference Final.

His eight playoff goals ranked him in a tie for tenth in the postseason and his three power play goals were also tied for tenth. Since the start of the 2003-04 season, Marleau has scored the third-most playoff goals of any NHL player (34).

Marleau was selected to represent Team Canada at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver where he captured the gold medal and recorded five points in seven games. He also represented Canada at the 1999, 2001, 2003 (gold medal) and 2005 (silver medal) IIHF Men’s World Ice Hockey Championships. He was named to Canada’s gold-medal winning 2004 World Cup of Hockey squad but did not play.

The six-foot-two, 220-pound native of Aneroid, Saskatchewan was originally selected by San Jose in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft (1st round, 2nd overall) one spot behind teammate Joe Thornton (Boston, 1st overall).

Pavelski, 25, posted 51 points in 2009-10, including tying his career-high in goals (25) while playing in only 67 games. He missed 15 games with a broken foot, suffered on Oct. 6 at Los Angeles. Finishing sixth on the team in scoring, his 25 goals ranked third on San Jose. Pavelski finished the regular season fourth in the NHL in faceoff percentage (58.1%).

In the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Pavelski led the team in goals (nine) and points (17) as well as plus/minus (+6), power-play goals (five) and game-winning goals (three) in 15 games. In the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the Colorado Avalanche, he scored the game-tying goal with less than a minute left in Game Two, netted the game-winning goal in overtime in Game Three and the game-winning, series-clinching goal in Game Six. He added two goals against the Detroit Red Wings in Games One and Two of the Western Conference Semi-Finals.

Overall, his 17 postseason points tied him for 12th in the NHL and his nine goals ranked tied-for-seventh.

Pavelski was selected to represent the United States at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, posting three assists and a +2 plus/minus rating in six games en route to winning the silver medal.

The five-foot-eleven, 190-pound native of Plover, Wisconsin was selected by San Jose in the seventh round (205th overall) of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.

*courtesy of the SJ Sharks

Blake Calls It Quits After 20 Seasons

SAN JOSE – San Jose Sharks defenseman and team Captain Rob Blake today formally announced his retirement from the game of hockey, following 20 remarkable seasons in the National Hockey League.

A Norris Trophy winner in 1998 with Los Angeles (finalist in 2000 and 2002) and a Stanley Cup champion in 2001 with Colorado, Blake will be remembered as one of the finest offensive defenseman to ever play the game.

He finishes with 777 NHL points (240 goals, 537 assists) which places him 18th all-time among all NHL defensemen. His 240 goals rank tenth all-time and his 136 power play goals place him third all-time among blueliners. In 1,270 NHL games (20th all-time among defensemen) with Los Angeles, Colorado and San Jose, Blake fired 3,896 shots, the fourth-most attempts by any NHL rearguard.

Among active NHL defensemen at the conclusion of the 2009-10 season, only Nicklas Lidstrom and Chris Chelios had posted more career points than Blake and no active blueliner had scored more career goals.

Blake is one of only 24 players in hockey history to join the “Triple Gold Club”, winning a World Championship (Canada, 1994 and 1997), Olympic Gold Medal (Canada, 2002) and the Stanley Cup (Colorado, 2001). Blake became the 11th member on Feb. 24, 2002 with Team Canada’s Olympic Gold Medal at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games.

“I was very fortunate to play 20 years in the NHL,” said Blake. “I would like to thank Doug Wilson and the San Jose Sharks for allowing me this opportunity to say thank you to the teammates and organizations that have helped make this a very memorable journey. I also want to thank my family for all of their support throughout my career.”

Blake, 40, spent the past two seasons in San Jose and was named team Captain on Sept. 30, 2009. In 143 games with the Sharks, he posted 75 points (17 goals, 58 assists) along with 170 penalty minutes and was a plus-29. He picked up his 500th career assist as a member of the Sharks on Jan. 9, 2009 at Edmonton. On March 23, 2010, he became just the third defenseman in NHL history over the age of 40 to collect three assists or more in a single game (Tim Horton and Carl Brewer).

“What Rob Blake has accomplished over the course of his hockey career speaks for itself,” said Sharks Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Wilson. “The standard that he helped bring into our dressing room will be felt by our organization and players for years to come.

“Rob is a prime example of what is great about the game of hockey – the best players never act like they are bigger than the game. He had the ability to lead in the dressing room not only because of his elite skill level but also because his blue-collar heartbeat allowed him to relate to and earn the respect of all of his teammates.

“Rob is not only a tremendous player but a tremendous person and we congratulate him, his wife Brandy and their family, on a remarkable career.”

In addition to his Stanley Cup win in 2001, Blake also appeared in the 1993 Stanley Cup Finals with Los Angeles against the Montreal Canadiens. In 146 Stanley Cup Playoff games, he posted 73 points (26 goals, 47 assists), tied for 25th best all-time among defensemen. His 436 shots from the blueline rank fifth all-time in postseason play.

The Simcoe, Ontario native was originally selected by the Los Angeles Kings in the fourth round (70th overall) of the 1988 NHL Entry Draft. He was selected for the NHL All-Rookie Team in 1991 and appeared in seven All-Star games (1994, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004).

Blake was recognized with the NHL’s highest honor for a defenseman in 1998, winning the James Norris Memorial Trophy and was also a finalist for the award in 2000 and 2002. In addition, he was named NHL First Team All-Star in 1998 and NHL Second Team All-Star from 2000-2002.

Blake has also had an illustrious International career outside of the NHL. He has represented Team Canada in the Olympics three times (1998, 2002 and 2006) and appeared in five World Championships with Canada (1991, 1994, 1997, 1998 and 1999). Blake was selected for Team Canada for two World Cup of Hockey tournaments (1996, 2004) but did not play in 2004 due to injury.

*courtesy of the SJ Sharks

Charlotte Checkers added to Eastern Conference

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … American Hockey League President and CEO David Andrews announced that the league will operate with an all-time high of 30 active teams in 2010-11, which will also mark the AHL’s historic 75th season. All 30 National Hockey League teams will have their own primary affiliate playing in the AHL next fall. The league’s Board of Governors has approved the following division alignment for 2010-11 (NHL affiliates in parentheses):
EASTERN CONFERENCE

ATLANTIC DIVISION
Bridgeport Sound Tigers(NYI)
Hartford Wolf Pack (NYR)
Manchester Monarchs (LA)
Portland Pirates (BUF)
Providence Bruins (BOS)
Springfield Falcons (CBJ)
Worcester Sharks (SJ)

EAST DIVISION
Adirondack Phantoms (PHI)
Albany Devils (NJ)
Binghamton Senators (OTT)
Charlotte Checkers (CAR)
Hershey Bears (WSH)
Norfolk Admirals (TB)
Syracuse Crunch (ANA)
Wilkese-Barre/Scranton Penguins (PIT)

The format for the 2011 Calder Cup Playoffs will be determined by the Board of Governors at its Annual Meeting in Hilton Head Island, S.C., July 5-8. The complete playing schedule for the 2010-11 regular season, which begins Oct. 8, will be announced later this summer. In operation since 1936, the AHL continues to serve as the top development league for all 30 National Hockey League teams. More than 85 percent of today’s NHL players are American Hockey League graduates, and for the ninth year in a row, more than 6 million fans attended AHL games across North America in 2009-10.

*courtesy of the AHL

Hershey Wins 11th Calder Cup

HERSHEY, Pa. … The Hershey Bears completed the most successful season in American Hockey League by capturing the 2010 Calder Cup championship with a 4-0 win over the Texas Stars at Giant Center in Hershey on Monday night.

The Bears, the top development team of the National Hockey League’s Washington Capitals, become the first team to repeat as Calder Cup champions since 1991, winning the title for the third time in the last five years and extending their own league record with their 11th overall championship.

Hershey defeated the Stars four games to two, becoming the first team in AHL history to win the Calder Cup after losing the first two games of the Finals series on home ice. The Bears also set a record with eight overtime victories during the 2010 postseason, and finished with a 16-5 playoff mark after winning a league-record 60 games in the regular season (60-17-0-3). Under first-year head coach Mark French, the Bears eliminated the Bridgeport Sound Tigers (4-1), Albany River Rats (4-0) and Manchester Monarchs (4-2) before defeating Texas in the Finals. The Bears’ 2010 playoff roster featured 11 players who appeared in the NHL with the parent Capitals this season.

Bears forward Chris Bourque won the Jack A. Butterfield Trophy as the most valuable player of the 2010 Calder Cup Playoffs, finishing with a league-leading 27 points (seven goals, 20 assists) in 21 games. The 24-year-old Boston native and son of Hockey Hall of Famer Ray Bourque turned pro in 2005 and has played five seasons in Hershey, making four Finals appearances and winning three Calder Cups.

The Bears, who clinched the Cup on home ice for the first time since 1980, came out with a bang, outshooting Texas 17-4 in the opening period and outscoring them 2-0. Rookie defenseman John Carlson buried the rebound of an Alexandre Giroux shot on the power play at 12:29, and Carlson’s defensive partner Karl Alzner sent a blast home from the left circle just 1:54 later to make it 2-0.

Defenseman Patrick McNeill provided his insurance for Hershey, scoring once apiece in the second and third periods, as the Bears received all four of their goals on the night from rearguards. Giroux, who totaled 110 goals over the past two regular-seasons, finished with two assists in the championship-clincher.

Hershey goaltender Michal Neuvirth was sensational in net, finishing with 22 saves – 10 in the third period alone – for his first shutout of the 2010 postseason. The 2009 Calder Cup Playoffs MVP, Neuvirth wrapped up these playoffs at 14-4 (2.07, .920) in 18 appearances.

Attendance at Giant Center for Monday’s game was a franchise record 11,002 fans. All six games in the series were played before standing-room-only crowds in Hershey and Cedar Park.

Hershey’s victory brings the curtain down on the AHL’s 74th season. In operation since 1936, the AHL continues to serve as the top development league for all 30 National Hockey League teams. More than 85 percent of today’s NHL players are American Hockey League graduates, and this season marked the ninth consecutive year in which more than 6 million fans attended AHL games across North America.

*courtesy of the AHL (Picture/Story)

Doherty, Sateri, Wingels, Hutton & Viedensky signed..

SAN JOSE - San Jose Sharks Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Wilson announced today that the team has signed defenseman Taylor Doherty, center Marek Viedensky, goaltender Harri Sateri, center Tommy Wingels and unrestricted free agent goaltender Carter Hutton. In keeping with club policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Doherty, 19, recently completed his third season with the Kingston Frontenacs of the Ontario Hockey League. The six-foot-seven, 220 lb. defenseman served as an alternate captain with Kingston and posted 44 points (16 goals, 28 assists) placing him first among all Kingston blueliners in each category. He finished third amongst all OHL defensemen in goals and was 15th in points. His 114 penalty minutes were second on the team

The native of Cambridge, Ontario was selected by San Jose in the second round (57th overall) of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.

Viedensky, 19, split the season between Prince George and Saskatoon in the Western Hockey League. With 59 points (20 goals, 39 assists) in 61 games, he finished tied-for-fourth on Saskatoon in points, fifth in goals and T-third in assists. He also posted 10 points (seven goals, three assists) in 10 playoff games with the Blades and was named the team’s Playoff MVP.

Viedensky also represented Slovakia and the U-20 World Junior Championships, finishing with six points (one goal, five assists) in six games.

The Handlova, Slovakia native was selected by San Jose in the seventh round (189th overall) of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.

Sateri, 20, played in 49 games with Tappara in the Finnish Elite League posting a 2.73 goals-against average and a .915 save percentage. He also helped Tappara advance to the second round of the playoffs.

Sateri was selected by San Jose in the fourth round (106th overall) of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

Hutton finished his senior year at UMass-Lowell in 2010, playing in 27 games and posting a 2.04 goals-against average and a .928 save percentage, along with a 13-12-2 record and four shutouts. He finished fourth among all NCAA goaltenders in goals-against average (led Hockey East) and his save percentage was third in the nation among goaltenders who played at least 33% of their team’s minutes. He won the Bauer Goaltending Champion Award for the best combined goalie stats in the Conference, as well as being named to the Hockey East Second Team All-Stars.

The six-foot-one, 200-pound native of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Hutton completed his four-year career with the River Hawks with a 34-41-10 record, 2.33 GAA and .913 save percentage, including 10 shutouts in 85 collegiate games. He is the school’s all-time leader in GAA (2.33), shutouts (10) and tied for the all-time lead in save percentage (.913).

Hutton was recalled by the Philadelphia Flyers in late March after he signed an amateur tryout agreement with Adirondack of the American Hockey League. He appeared in four games with Adirondack, posting a 1-2-1 record and a 2.71 goals-against average and a .921 save percentage.

Wingels, 22, spent the last three seasons with Miami University (Ohio) amassing 99 points (43-56=99) in 127 games played. He helped Miami to consecutive Frozen Four appearances in the last two seasons, including the championship game in 2008-09.

This season, Wingels was named captain and finished second on the team in goals (17), fourth in points (17-26=43) and second in game-winning goals (5). His 43 points were tied for 33rd among all NCAA scorers. Following the season, he was named to the 2009-10 CCHA All-Conference Second Team and named CCHA’s “Best Defensive Forward”.

“Tommy’s mix of hockey sense and skill allow him to make an impact in all phases of the game,” said Wilson. “Miami head coach Enrico Blasi has built an extremely strong program at Miami and Tommy was a leader for them during his three years there. We’re excited for him to begin his development at the professional level.”

The 6-foot, 195-pound native of Evanston, IL was selected by San Jose in the sixth round (177th overall) of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

*courtesy of the San Jose Sharks

Traverse Heads Overseas

The DEG METRO STAR found a strengthening for its defensive. The learned defender Patrick Traverse changes for at least a season to Dusseldorf.

The 35 year oldTraverse was born on the 14th of March in Montreal. In his career, he played in 285 NHL games for the Ottawa Senators, the Anaheim Mighty Ducks, the Boston Bruins, the Montreal Canadiens and the Dallas star.

Patrick played in 78 games for the Worcester Sharks this past season recording 9 goals and 33 assists. During the 2009 Calder Cup playoffs Patrick was tied for the lead on the team in scoring with 4 goals in 12 games.

The sporting leader Lance Nethery: "Patrick Traverse a veteran player, who will prevail in our league. He can help our very young and talented team and give important support".

Claude Calls It A Career (Again)

SAN JOSE – Forward Claude Lemieux today formally announced his retirement from the game of hockey at the age of 44. One of the most successful NHL players in the history of the League, Lemieux won four Stanley Cups and is one of only eight players to win hockey’s greatest prize with three different teams (Montreal, 1986; New Jersey, 1995 and 2000; Colorado, 1996).

“I want to thank my former teammates from my entire career for all of their support,” said Lemieux. “I feel very fortunate that I was able to have a career like I had. There have been many great NHL players who did not get the opportunities to win that I had. I played for a long time but it went by so very fast.”

In 1,215 National Hockey League games with Montreal, New Jersey, Colorado, Phoenix, Dallas and San Jose, Lemieux posted 786 points (379 goals, 407 assists) and 1,777 penalty minutes, along with 58 game-winning goals.

However, it was the Stanley Cup Playoffs where Lemieux defined his legacy, becoming one of the most potent post-season performers in NHL history. His 234 playoff games are fifth all-time behind only Chris Chelios, Patrick Roy, Nicklas Lidstrom and Mark Messier. Lemieux’s 80 playoff goals are more than Jean Beliveau (79) and only two fewer than Maurice “The Rocket” Richard and his 19 post-season game-winning goals are tied-for-third all-time, trailing only Wayne Gretzky and Brett Hull (24). In addition, he sits 24th in Stanley Cup Playoff points (158) and tied-for-37th in playoff assists (78).

In 2008, Lemieux made a remarkable comeback to the National Hockey League with the Presidents’ Trophy-winning San Jose Sharks. After being out of the game for five years, Lemieux decided he wanted to continue playing the game he loved. Sharks Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Wilson afforded Lemieux the opportunity to play for the Sharks Asian League affiliate, the China Sharks and he later signed an AHL contract with the Worcester Sharks of the American Hockey League.

“I want to thank the Arizona Sun Dogs for letting me train with them, the China Sharks for the opportunity to play there and the Worcester Sharks organization for helping making this dream possible. I cannot say enough to thank Doug Wilson, my Sharks teammates and the entire San Jose organization for giving me the opportunity to bring this dream to fruition. In my heart, I will forever be a San Jose Shark.”

In 23 games with Worcester, Lemieux posted 11 points (three goals, eight assists), 24 penalty minutes and was a +2. He was signed by San Jose on Dec. 29 and played in his first game with San Jose on Jan. 20 vs. Vancouver.

“Claude had a tremendous career and his accomplishments speak for themselves,” said Wilson. “His love of the game was truly evident this year and completing a successful return to the NHL revealed his true passion for hockey. The players in our organization in San Jose and Worcester will reap the benefits of having him as a teammate for years to come.”

Lemieux became a naturalized U.S. citizen on June 26, 2009.

** per the San Jose Sharks

Worcester Heads West

The Worcester Sharks announced their matrix for the 2009-2010 season. The Sharks will be hosting four new cities this upcoming season. (Adirondack, Abbotsford, Syracuse & Winnipeg) The AHL also announced that the Bridgeport Sound Tigers have moved into the Atlantic Division. The following is the matrix for the 2009-10 Worcester Sharks:

Atlantic Division:
Lowell Devils (5/5)
Providence Bruins (5/5)
Hartford Wolf Pack (4/4)
Manchester Monarchs (4/4)
Portland Pirates (4/4)
Springfield Falcons (4/4)
Bridgeport Sound Tigers (3/3)

East Division:
Adirondack Phantoms (1/1)
Albany River Rats (1/1)
Binghamton Senators (1/1)
Hershey Bears (1/1)
Norfolk Admirals (1/1)
Syracuse Crunch (1/1)
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (1/1)

Western Conference:
Abbotsford Heat (2/2)
Manitoba Moose (2/2)

2009-2010 Divison Alignment

Atlantic Division
Bridgeport Sound Tigers
Hartford Wolf Pack
Lowell Devils
Manchester Monarchs
Portland Pirates
Providence Bruins
Springfield Falcons
Worcester Sharks

East Division
Adirondack Phantoms
Albany River Rats
Binghamton Senators
Hershey Bears
Norfolk Admirals
Syracuse Crunch
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins

Chops On The Block

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The Iowa Chops American Hockey League franchise has been involuntarily suspended for the 2009-10 season by the league’s Board of Governors, effective July 6, 2009.

“The Iowa franchise has unfortunately been unable to remedy certain violations of the provisions of the league’s Constitution and By-Laws,” said American Hockey League President and CEO David Andrews. There will be no further statement from the league at this time.

**per the AHL website

Former W-Shark Makes Olympic Team

SAN JOSE – San Jose Sharks center Joe Pavelski was invited by USA Hockey to participate in the Men’s Olympic Orientation Camp from August 17-19 at Seven Bridges Ice Arena in Woodridge, Illinois.

"Obviously it was a goal of mine to be invited and it would be a great honor to play on the Olympic Team," said Pavelski in an interview with SJSHARKS.com on Tuesday. "It was an exciting call to get, but there is still a lot of work to do.”

Pavelski was a member of the 2006-07 Worcester Sharks playing in 16 games before being called up to San Jose. In those 16 games he registered 8 goals and 18 assists.

* photo courtesy of the AHL

Worcester Sharks AHL Free Agents

The following players AHL contracts have expired and are now free agents:

Patrick Traverse

P.J. Fenton

Matt Fornataro

Dan DaSilva

Michael Wilson

Andrew Desjardin

Kyle Jones

Westgarth Heading to the Island

Today the New York Islanders agreed to terms with defenseman Brett Westgarth. The contract is one-year and is a two-way contract.

Westgarth played the last three seasons in the AHL. Last year, the 6’2, 215 pound defenseman played for the Worcester Sharks, AHL affiliate of the San Jose Sharks, scoring nine points (2 goals and 7 assists) while totaling 137 penalty minutes. Westgarth, a native of Amhertsburg, ON, is a Princeton University graduate who skated for the Tigers from 2002-2007 where he compiled four goals and 20 assists for 24 points.

*per the New York Islanders

Armstrong Feels the Heat

CALGARY - The Calgary Flames have signed minor-league forward Riley Armstrong.

Saskatoon native Armstrong spent the last five seasons playing in the San Jose Sharks minor-league system and has appeared in two NHL games. The 25-year-old had 25 goals, 17 assists and 101 penalty minutes in 71 games for Worcester last season.

Riley will most likely end up in Abbotsford, British Columbia. The Flames moved their top minor league affiliate to British Columbia after spending two season in Quad Cities this past off season.

*part courtesy of tsn.ca

San Jose Sharks Announce Free Agents

The following players on the San Jose reserve list can potentially become Group III unrestricted free agents on July 1, 2009:

Rob Blake (San Jose)
Brian Boucher (San Jose)
Brenden Buckley (Worcester)
Tom Cavanagh (San Jose/Worcester)
Mike Grier (San Jose)
Kent Huskins (San Jose/Anaheim)
Cory Larose (Worcester)
Claude Lemieux (San Jose/Worcester)
Kyle McLaren (Worcester)
Travis Moen (San Jose/Anaheim)
Jeremy Roenick (San Jose)
Alexei Semenov (San Jose)
Ryan Vesce (San Jose/Worcester)
Brett Westgarth (Worcester)

*** per Worcester Sharks Website

Sharks Send Out Qualifying Offers

Thomas Plihal

SAN JOSE – 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:

Ryane Clowe (San Jose)
Thomas Greiss (San Jose/Worcester)
Torrey Mitchell (San Jose/Worcester)
Brad Staubitz (San Jose/Worcester)

The following Group II restricted free agents were not issued qualifying offers and thus become unrestricted free agents:

Riley Armstrong (San Jose/Worcester)
Taylor Dakers (Worcester)
T.J. Fox (Worcester)
Marcel Goc (San Jose)
Lukas Kaspar (San Jose/Worcester)
Mike Morris (Worcester)
Tomas Plihal (San Jose)
Ashton Rome (Worcester/Phoenix/Toronto Marlies)

** per Worcester Sharks Website

Schedule to be Released Tuesday

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League will be releasing its 2007-08 regular-season schedule on Tuesday, August 7, at 11:00 a.m. ET.

The schedule will be available for viewing and download on the official Web site of the American Hockey League, theahl.com.T

he 2007-08 season will be the AHL's 72nd year of operation, and will feature an all-time high of 29 teams.In operation since 1936, the AHL continues to serve as the top development league for all 30 National Hockey League teams.

More than 83 percent of today’s NHL players are American Hockey League graduates, and for the sixth year in a row, more than 6 million fans attended AHL games across North America in 2006-07.

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