For the first time in Stockton history two NHL sports team played at the Stockton Arena on Sept. 23.
The home ice for the San Jose Sharks is the SAP Center, known as the Shark Tank. But the Sharks switched to what some called a fish
PHOTO BY RICHARD REYES
pond, as the team took on the Vancouver Canucks in preseason play.
The team’s mascot, Sharkie, was also on hand to entertain the crowd of 6,810 before the game started.
“I have never been to a real NHL game before,” said Anna Langston. “So I am excited to that they (Sharks) decided to come to Stockton for a game.”
San Jose started off on a fast pace, outshooting the Canucks in the first period 17-4, but the team was unable to get any pucks past Canucks goalkeeper Jacob Markstrom.
A fight between San Jose’s John Scott and Vancouver’s Tom Sestito had fans on their feet. In the second period, the Sharks took a bite out of the Canucks by scoring first, as Joe Thornton scored his first goal of the preseason.
From there the Sharks smelled blood and the onslaught was on. Nikolay Goldobin and Barclay Goodrow added two more goals in the period and the Sharks led 3-0.
In the final period, Thornton added his second goal of game, as the Sharks pulled away. Vancouver scored two goals, but the damage was done. The Sharks won 5-2.
Some long time Stockton Thunder season ticket holders attended the game and were excited to see their favorite players on ice.
“I bought opening night tickets to see the Sharks at the Shark Tank Arena (SAP),” said Max Williamson. “But I found out they were coming here, I had to get tickets to this.”