History of San Jose Sharks in Timeline
The San Jose Sharks are a professional ice hockey team based in San Jose, California, competing in the NHL's Pacific Division of the Western Conference. Owned by San Jose Sports & Entertainment Enterprises, the Sharks began playing in the 1991–92 season. Initially at the Cow Palace, they moved to their current home, SAP Center at San Jose, in 1993, known as "the Shark Tank." They are affiliated with the San Jose Barracuda (AHL) and the Wichita Thunder (ECHL).
1944: San Francisco Shamrocks PCHL
From 1944 to 1950, the San Francisco Shamrocks played in the Pacific Coast Hockey League (PCHL).
1950: End of San Francisco Shamrocks
From 1944 to 1950, the San Francisco Shamrocks played in the Pacific Coast Hockey League (PCHL).
April 23, 1961: San Francisco Seals Expansion Franchise Awarded
On April 23, 1961, the San Francisco Seals of the Western Hockey League (WHL) were awarded an expansion franchise.
1966: California Seals Renaming
In 1966, the San Francisco Seals were renamed the California Seals and played their games at the Oakland Coliseum Arena.
1967: California Golden Seals Join NHL
In 1967, the California Golden Seals joined the NHL, playing their seasons from 1967 to 1976.
1967: NHL Rejection of Cow Palace
In 1967, the NHL and the Seals had rejected the Cow Palace as a facility.
1974: Gunds Become Minority Owners of Seals
In 1974, Gordon and George Gund III became minority owners of the California Golden Seals.
1976: California Golden Seals Move
In 1976, the California Golden Seals moved to Cleveland.
1978: Merger with Minnesota North Stars
In 1978, the California Golden Seals merged with the Minnesota North Stars, which the Gunds purchased that year.
May 5, 1990: Gunds Sell North Stars Share, Awarded New Team
On May 5, 1990, the Gunds officially sold their share of the North Stars to Howard Baldwin and were awarded a new team for the Bay Area, based in San Jose.
May 9, 1990: Sharks Franchise Founded
On May 9, 1990, the San Jose Sharks were founded after the Minnesota North Stars stake was sold to award the NHL franchise to the San Francisco Bay Area.
September 6, 1991: Acquisition of Doug Wilson
On September 6, 1991, the San Jose Sharks acquired veteran defenseman Doug Wilson from the Chicago Blackhawks. He was named the team's first captain.
1991: Joe Starkey as Sharks Broadcaster
In 1991, Joe Starkey was one of the first broadcasters for the Sharks, alongside Dennis Hull and Brian Hayward.
1991: Beginning of the San Jose Sharks inaugural season
In 1991, the San Jose Sharks began playing in the NHL in the 1991-92 season. They initially played their home games at the Cow Palace.
1991: New Uniforms Inspired By 1991 Uniform Set
In 2022, The Sharks released new uniforms featuring elements inspired from the team's original 1991-1998 uniform set.
1991: Expansion Team Begins Play
In the 1991-92 season, the Bay Area expansion team, the San Jose Sharks, began play.
January 28, 1992: Introduction of S.J. Sharkie
On January 28, 1992, at a game against the New York Rangers, S.J. Sharkie emerged from a Zamboni during an intermission.
April 15, 1992: Announcement of Mascot Name
On April 15, 1992, the winning name of "S. J. Sharkie" was announced for the San Jose Sharks mascot.
November 17, 1992: First Shutout in Team History
On November 17, 1992, San Jose goaltender Arturs Irbe recorded the first shutout in team history, defeating the Los Angeles Kings 6-0.
1992: Joe Starkey as Sharks Broadcaster
In 1992, Joe Starkey continued as one of the first broadcasters for the Sharks, alongside Pete Stemkowski and Brian Hayward.
1992: Struggles of Expansion Team
In 1992-93, the Sharks had typical struggles for an expansion team, with 71 losses being an NHL record.
1993: Division Titles Won Since 1993
Since 1993, the San Jose Sharks have won six division titles as a member of the Pacific Division.
1994: Over-the-air telecasts on KGO 7
From 1991-1994 over-the-air telecasts aired on KGO 7.
1994: Second Playoff Berth
In 1994–95, the Sharks earned their second-straight playoff berth and again reached the second round.
March 1995: Rainout Due to Flooding
In March 1995, the Guadalupe River flooded, causing the only rainout in NHL history for a game between the Sharks and the Detroit Red Wings.
1995: Over-the-air telecasts on KICU 36
From 1995-1999 over-the-air telecasts aired on KICU 36.
1995: Failure to Make Playoffs
In 1995-96, the San Jose Sharks finished last in the Pacific Division and failed to make the playoffs.
1996: Hiring of Dean Lombardi
During the 1996 off-season, Dean Lombardi was hired as general manager of the San Jose Sharks.
1996: Chris Collins as Sharks Broadcaster
In 1996, Chris Collins joined as television color commentator for the Sharks (1996–97).
1997: Chris Collins as Sharks Broadcaster
In 1996, Chris Collins joined as television color commentator for the Sharks (1996–97).
1997: Drafting of Patrick Marleau
In the 1997 NHL entry draft, the San Jose Sharks drafted Patrick Marleau.
1998: New Uniforms Inspired By 1998 Uniform Set
In 2022, The Sharks released new uniforms featuring elements inspired from the team's original 1991-1998 uniform set.
1999: Over-the-air telecasts on KICU 36
From 1995-1999 over-the-air telecasts aired on KICU 36.
1999: Acquisition of Vincent Damphousse
In 1999, San Jose acquired former Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens star Vincent Damphousse.
2000: Steve Konroyd as Sharks Broadcaster
In 1997 Steve Konroyd joined as television color commentator for the Sharks (1997–2000).
2000: Wayne Gretzky's Number Retired League-Wide
In 2000, the team is unable to issue No. 99 to its players due to NHL retiring the number league-wide in honor of Wayne Gretzky at the 2000 NHL All-Star Game.
2000: Elimination of St. Louis Blues
In the 1999-2000 season, the Sharks eliminated the St. Louis Blues in seven games. However, the Sharks were defeated in the second round of the playoffs by the Dallas Stars.
2000: Nabokov's Calder Memorial Trophy
In the 2000–01 season, Kazakh goaltender Evgeni Nabokov won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's best rookie.
2001: Sale of the Sharks
Following the 2001–02 season, the Gunds sold the Sharks to a group of local investors headed by team president Greg Jamison.
2001: Acquisition of Teemu Selanne
In the 2000–01 season, the San Jose Sharks acquired Finnish star forward Teemu Selanne from the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.
2001: Blues eliminated the Sharks
In the 2001 playoffs, the St. Louis Blues eliminated the Sharks in six games in the first round.
2002: First Pacific Division Title
In the 2001–02 season, the San Jose Sharks won their first Pacific Division title.
March 18, 2003: Lombardi's Dismissal
On March 18, 2003, Dean Lombardi's tenure with the team ended with his dismissal as general manager.
2003: Trade Deadline
Near the 2003 NHL trade deadline, captain Owen Nolan was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Several other players were traded as well, signaling a new era in Sharks history.
2003: Turnaround of the Team
The 2003–04 season, saw another turnaround for the team, resulting in the team's best season to that point.
2004: Conference Finals Appearance
In the 2004 playoffs, the San Jose Sharks progressed to the conference finals for the first time but lost to the Calgary Flames.
2005: Joe Thornton Trade and Season Rally
In 2005, after a slow start to the season and a ten-game losing streak, the Sharks traded for Joe Thornton. This trade revitalized the team, leading to a playoff berth. Joe Thornton was awarded the Hart Memorial Trophy and the Art Ross Trophy, while Jonathan Cheechoo won the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy.
2006: Drew Remenda as Sharks Broadcaster
In 2000 Drew Remenda joined as television color commentator for the Sharks (2000–06).
2006: Youngest and Biggest Team, Mark Bell Acquisition
In 2006, the Sharks started the season strong as the youngest and biggest team in the league. They acquired Mark Bell to address a need for a left winger, but he underperformed and had off-ice issues.
2007: Marty McSorley as Sharks Broadcaster
In 2006 Marty McSorley joined as television color commentator for the Sharks (2006–07).
2007: Logo and Jersey Updates
In 2007, the San Jose Sharks updated their logos and jerseys to fit the new Rbk EDGE jersey design.
June 11, 2008: Todd McLellan Named Head Coach
On June 11, 2008, the San Jose Sharks appointed Todd McLellan as their new head coach, along with assistant coaches Todd Richards, Trent Yawney, and Jay Woodcroft.
2008: Sharks Games Moved to Comcast SportsNet California
At the end of the 2008-09 NHL season, the San Jose Sharks games moved to Comcast SportsNet California.
2008: New Black Alternate Jersey Introduced
In 2008, the Sharks introduced a new black alternate jersey featuring the jumping shark logo and the "SJ" alternate logo.
2008: Pacific Division Title and Playoff Loss to Dallas
In 2008, the Sharks won their third Pacific Division title with a franchise-record 108 points. They won their first-ever Game 7 at home against Calgary but lost to the Dallas Stars in the conference semifinals after a long Game 6.
2008: Presidents' Trophy Win
In the 2008-09 season, the San Jose Sharks won the Presidents' Trophy for having the league's best regular-season record.
2009: Trades Involving Heatley, Michalek, and Cheechoo
In 2009, the Sharks traded Christian Ehrhoff and Brad Lukowich to Vancouver to free up cap space. They then traded Milan Michalek and Jonathan Cheechoo to Ottawa for Dany Heatley. Several other contracts were not renewed.
February 7, 2010: Acquisition of Niclas Wallin
On February 7, 2010, the San Jose Sharks acquired Niclas Wallin from the Carolina Hurricanes.
February 12, 2010: Trade of Jody Shelley
On February 12, 2010, San Jose traded Jody Shelley to the New York Rangers for a draft pick.
June 23, 2010: Evgeni Nabokov Not Offered Contract
On June 23, 2010, the Sharks announced they would not offer a contract to Evgeni Nabokov due to cap issues.
July 1, 2010: Signing of Antero Niittymaki
On July 1, 2010, the Sharks signed goalie Antero Niittymaki from the Tampa Bay Lightning.
September 2, 2010: Signing of Antti Niemi
On September 2, 2010, the Sharks signed Antti Niemi, who had previously won the Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks.
March 1, 2011: Antti Niemi Signs Four-Year Contract Extension
On March 1, 2011, Antti Niemi signed a four-year contract extension with San Jose for $15.2 million.
March 31, 2011: Playoff Berth Clinched
On March 31, 2011, the Sharks clinched their 13th playoff berth with a 6-0 victory over the Dallas Stars.
2011: Season Record and Playoff Result
In 2011, the Sharks finished the season with a 43–29–10 record, making them the seventh seed in the Stanley Cup playoffs. The Sharks would win Game 1 of their first-round series with the St. Louis Blues, but then lose the next four games.
2011: Trade for Brent Burns and Dany Heatley Trade
In 2011, the Sharks traded Devin Setoguchi, Charlie Coyle, and a first-round pick for Brent Burns. They also traded Dany Heatley for Martin Havlat to relieve cap space.
2012: Coaching Staff Additions
Prior to the 2012-13 season, Larry Robinson and Jim Johnson were added to the coaching staff to assist with penalty-killing and defense.
2013: New Jersey Set Introduced
Before the 2013-14 season, the Sharks introduced a new jersey set based on their previous black alternate jersey, removing the shoulder yoke, orange accents, and tail stripes while adding neckline laces.
2013: Playoff Sweep and Loss to Kings
In 2013, the Sharks swept the Vancouver Canucks in the first round of the playoffs, their first series sweep. They then lost to the Los Angeles Kings in the second round.
2013: New Uniforms Unveiled
Prior to the 2013-14 season, the San Jose Sharks unveiled new uniforms, which included less orange and a lace-up collar.
August 20, 2014: Captaincy Competition Announced
On August 20, 2014, Todd McLellan announced that the team would enter training camp without a captain, allowing all players to compete for the role.
2014: Jamie Baker as Sharks Broadcaster
In 2014 Jamie Baker joined as television color commentator for the Sharks (2014–20).
2014: Playoff Collapse Against Kings
In the 2014 playoffs, the Sharks lost to the Los Angeles Kings after leading the series 3-0, marking only the fourth time in NHL history a team lost a best-of-seven series after winning the first three games.
February 2015: Stadium Series Game
In February 2015, the Sharks hosted the 2015 Stadium Series game against the Kings at Levi's Stadium, losing 2-1.
April 20, 2015: Coaching Staff Departure
On April 20, 2015, the Sharks announced they had agreed to part ways with head coach Todd McLellan and assistant coaches Johnson and Woodcroft.
May 28, 2015: Peter DeBoer Named Head Coach
On May 28, 2015, Peter DeBoer was named the head coach of the San Jose Sharks.
2015: Modified Original Jerseys Worn for 25th Anniversary
During the 2015-16 season, the Sharks wore a slightly modified version of their original teal jerseys for a few home games as part of their 25th-anniversary celebration.
2015: Stadium Series Jersey
In 2015, the Sharks participated in the Stadium Series by wearing a tricolor jersey of teal, white, and black with a "Northern California" alternate logo.
2015: "Northern California" Shoulder Patch Adopted From Stadium Series Uniform
In the 2023-24 season, the Sharks unveiled a new "Cali Fin" black alternate uniform, featuring a modified version of the "Northern California" shoulder patch adopted from the 2015 Stadium Series uniform.
2015: 25th Anniversary Logo Added to Jersey
Prior to the 2015-16 season, the Sharks replaced the front numbers on their jerseys with the Sharks' 25th-anniversary logo.
2015: Teal City Crew Organized
Since 2015, the fan-driven supporters club, Teal City Crew, has sit atop sections 217–218, organizing marches to the arena and charity drives and creating tifo related to the games being played
2016: Stanley Cup Finals Appearance
In 2016, the San Jose Sharks advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time but lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
2016: "Get Ready for This" as Goal Song
Since 2016, "Get Ready for This" by 2 Unlimited has been used as the team's goal song.
2017: Marleau Leaves for Toronto
In 2017, Patrick Marleau left the Sharks to sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs after 20 years with the team.
2017: AdiZero Template Jerseys Introduced
In 2017, the Sharks switched to Adidas' AdiZero template, replacing the "jumping shark" logo with the "screaming shark" and adding the slogan "This Is Sharks Territory" inside the neckline.
2018: "Stealth" Jersey Introduced
In 2018, the Sharks introduced a new black "Stealth" jersey featuring a different rendition of the primary logo and stylized circuit board sleeve striping.
2018: Playoff Loss to Golden Knights
In the 2017-2018 season, the Sharks lost to the Vegas Golden Knights in six games in the second round of the playoffs.
2018: Another Playoff Berth
The 2018-19 season saw another playoff berth for the Sharks, who overcame a 3-1 series lead by the Vegas Golden Knights and defeated the Colorado Avalanche in the second round before falling to the St. Louis Blues in the conference finals.
October 8, 2019: Patrick Marleau Re-Acquired
On October 8, 2019, after two seasons in Toronto, Patrick Marleau was re-acquired by the Sharks.
December 11, 2019: DeBoer Fired, Boughner Named Interim Coach
On December 11, 2019, Peter DeBoer and his staff were fired, and Bob Boughner was named interim head coach.
2019: Kendall Coyne Schofield as Sharks Broadcaster
In 2019 Kendall Coyne Schofield joined as television color commentator for the Sharks (2019–20).
March 2020: Season Suspension Due to COVID-19 Pandemic
In March 2020, the NHL season was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
September 22, 2020: Boughner's Interim Label Removed
On September 22, 2020, Bob Boughner's interim head coach label was removed.
2020: Sharks Audio Network Launched
Beginning with the 2020-21 season, the Sharks launched the Sharks Audio Network, a 24/7 digital audio platform.
2020: COVID-19 Realignment and Playoff Miss
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the divisions for the 2020-21 season were realigned, and the Sharks missed the playoffs.
2020: "Stealth" Uniforms Not Used
During the 2020-21 season, the "Stealth" uniforms were not used, and the Sharks opted to wear their "Reverse Retro" and "Heritage" alternate uniforms in the shortened season.
2020: Reverse Retro Uniforms Worn
The Sharks wore Reverse Retro alternate uniforms for the 2020-21 season with a gray base and black stripes.
November 26, 2021: Doug Wilson Takes Medical Leave
On November 26, 2021, General Manager Doug Wilson began a medical leave of absence from the San Jose Sharks.
2021: Original Teal Jerseys Brought Back for 30th Anniversary
In 2021, the Sharks brought back the modified version of their original teal jerseys for their 30th anniversary, modified to the AdiZero cut.
April 7, 2022: Doug Wilson Resigns
On April 7, 2022, Doug Wilson resigned from his position as General Manager while on medical leave, and Assistant GM Joe Will was appointed interim GM.
July 5, 2022: Mike Grier Hired as General Manager
On July 5, 2022, Mike Grier was hired as the new General Manager of the San Jose Sharks, making him the first Black general manager in NHL history.
October 4, 2022: Exhibition Match Against Eisbaren Berlin
On October 4, 2022, San Jose played an exhibition match against Eisbaren Berlin in Berlin, Germany, as part of the 2022 NHL Global Series.
2022: New Uniforms Released
In 2022, the Sharks released new uniforms with elements inspired by the team's original 1991-1998 set and unveiled a second "Reverse Retro" uniform based on the California Golden Seals.
February 25, 2023: Patrick Marleau's Jersey Retirement
On February 25, 2023, the San Jose Sharks retired Patrick Marleau's number 12 jersey, marking the first jersey retirement in franchise history.
May 8, 2023: Sharks Awarded Fourth Overall Pick in NHL Draft
On May 8, 2023, the San Jose Sharks were awarded the fourth overall selection in the 2023 NHL entry draft through the NHL's draft lottery process.
June 1, 2023: Rusanowsky Wins Foster Hewitt Memorial Award
On June 1, 2023, Rusanowsky was announced as the recipient of the 2023 Foster Hewitt Memorial Award.
November 4, 2023: Sharks Allow 10 Goals in Consecutive Games
On November 4, 2023, the San Jose Sharks became the first team since the 1965-66 Boston Bruins to allow 10 goals in consecutive games.
2023: Cali Fin Black Alternate Uniform Unveiled
In the 2023-24 season, the Sharks unveiled a new "Cali Fin" black alternate uniform, featuring the updated fin logo as the main crest.
May 7, 2024: Sharks Win NHL Draft Lottery
On May 7, 2024, the Sharks won the NHL draft lottery for the first time in franchise history, securing the number 1 pick for the 2024 NHL entry draft.
June 13, 2024: Ryan Warsofsky Named Head Coach
On June 13, 2024, Ryan Warsofsky was announced as the new head coach of the San Jose Sharks, replacing the fired David Quinn.
March 10, 2025: Article Updated
On March 10, 2025, this article was updated.
Mentioned in this timeline
Adidas AG a German corporation headquartered in Herzogenaurach is the...
Wayne Gretzky nicknamed The Great One is widely considered the...
California is the most populous US state located on the...
Germany officially the Federal Republic of Germany is a Central...
A tank is an armored fighting vehicle designed for front-line...
An avalanche is a fast-moving flow of snow down a...
Trending
12 minutes ago Will Richardson's Exclusive Interview & NCAA Tournament Success with Florida Gators
13 minutes ago Republicans worry over Trump's candidate in Florida special election despite Democratic fundraising.
13 minutes ago Trump Hosts White House Iftar Dinner, Affirming Religious Liberty and Peace
2 days ago Tristan Thompson talks Darius Garland and reminisces about the Cavaliers' 2016 NBA Title.
1 hour ago Teoscar Hernández hits impressive home run during spring training, impressing Dodgers coach.
1 hour ago Grant Nelson injury update before Sweet 16 game versus Duke, Alabama coaches reveal.
Popular
LeBron James nicknamed King James is a highly decorated American...
Jasmine Crockett is an American lawyer and politician currently serving...
Cristiano Ronaldo nicknamed CR is a Portuguese professional footballer widely...
Michael Jordan also known as MJ is a celebrated American...
Pamela Jo Bondi is an American attorney lobbyist and politician...
Simone Biles is an American artistic gymnast renowned as the...