Game #20: San Jose Sharks (April 1, 2015)
April 2, 2015
Today was a bit of a tough day for me. I was feeling a bit exhausted, so I wasn’t 100% for the game in San Jose. I usually make my way around the rink, talking to as many fans as possible, but for this game, I did this less than usual. I was still able to get a lot of photos of the rink, and the various eating and drinking spots, all which impressed me from a fan’s perspective.
At the pre-game skate, I watched Jarome Iginla warming up, thinking that this may be the last game I see him play. I hope not, because he’s one of my favourite NHL players, and he still contributes on the ice. In looking up at the rafters, I noticed all of the banners honoring the Sharks achievements, but for all their success in the regular season, they have not had the same success in the playoffs.
The Sharks have one of the biggest Jumbotrons, with two upper rings (used mostly for ads), and a lower ring surrounding their big screen. As the players make their way on the ice to start the game, it’s really cool to see them come flying out through their illuminated shark.
And speaking of sharks, I was energized and thrilled to see my friend Sharkie, the Sharks mascot. We’ve been communicating through social media the last few weeks, and he said he would come look for me at the game, and he sure did! It definitely lifted my spirits, and I have a new favourite mascot – Sharkie!
Last but not least, I have to comment on the Sharks fans. Great fans, and I really like how they use their arms to mimic a shark’s bite when the team goes on the power play. And when the Sharks score a goal, Dr. Who is played, and the fans shout out “Hey” on beat! Very loud and very cool! And last night, I got to hear this celebration five times, as the Sharks beat the Avalanche 5-1. The last two goals were empty-netters, and true to form, Av’s coach Patrick Roy pulled his goalie with lots of time left in the third period. (Over five minutes to play in the game.) I almost saw Sharks goalie Berra score on the empty net, but the puck was stopped by a Colorado defenseman. It would have been neat to him score.
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