San Jose Sharks host Prospect Scrimmage

SAN JOSE, Calif. – The third annual Sharks Prospect Scrimmage was held on Thursday evening at the SAP Center. Prospects from all levels were deep into training camp and working to secure their positions within the Sharks organization. This marks the first year for the new Pacific Division of the AHL, which includes the San Jose Barracuda, formerly Worcester Sharks.

Dylan Sadowy (L) and Rudolfs Balcers battle for the puck after a face off – Photo by Jack Lima

Several returning Worcester players were here, including forwards Ryan Carpenter, Petter Emanuelsson, Niolay Goldobin, Barclay Goodrow, Jeremy Langlois, Chris Tierney, Defensemen Julius Bergman, Dylan DeMelo, Mirco Mueller, Joakim Ryan and Gus Young (also the first ever Barracuda player signed). Also from the 2015 NHL Draft Timo Meier (9^thoverall), Rudolfs Balcers (142^nd overall), and Jake Kupsky (goaltender, 193^rd overall).

Joel Rumpel – Photo by Jack Lima

Of the many fans in attendance, many sported the new orange colored tshirts with the Barracuda logo.

The scrimmage consisted of two 25-minute halves, followed by a 3-on-3 five-minute overtime type format.

The team coaches were Ricci (white) and Marchment (teal). Only 25 seconds into the match, team White’s Nikita Jevpalovs took a pass from Daniel O’Regan and dropped the puck past Liam Herbst in the net for the first goal. Teals Kevin Leblanc worked to capitalize a few seconds later as he slipped around the back of the net, and tried to slip the puck in the corner, to be stopped by Joel Rumpel in the net.

Colin Blackwell – Photo by Jack Lima

Dylan Sadowy scored the next goal for team White to put them up 2 to zip with an assist from Colin Blackwell.

Penalties resulted in penalty shots. Nikolay Goldobin was given the first chance for a shot against Jake Kupsky, resulting in a goal during the early part of the second half.

Team Teal finally got on the board about five minutes into the half, with a nice slapshot from the slot by Jeremy Langlois. Gabryel Boudreau and Dylan DeMelo were credited for the assists. The goal was soon answered by team White, when Barclay Goodrow raced up the slot with an opponent on either side, wristing the puck past Jake Kupsky, five-hole, extending team White’s lead 4-1.

Nikolay Goldobin – Photo by Jack Lima

With about ten minutes remaining Chris Tierney wristed a shot from just outside the crease, beating Mike Robinson in the net. Timo Meier got the assist on the goal. Noah Rod had a chance for a penalty shot, which was blocked by Kupsky. The score at the end of the half was 4-2.

The next five minutes gave way to 3-on-3 and the players were able to show their puck handling skills a little more. Mike Robinson, team White and Jake Kupsky, team Teal remained in the net, but exchanged ends. Robinson saved a penalty shot against Joonas Donskoi. Team Teal pulled Kupsky in the last two minutes but a loose puck, led to a goal by Alex Schoenborn from about the blue line to give team White the 5-2 lead.

Jeremy Langlois – Photo by Jack Lima

Team teal led in shots on goal 25-17 during the game.

Nikita Jevpalvos said after the game he feels good and is pleased with his progress during camp. He will continue to work out during the rest of the summer. He hopes to put a bit more weight before the season begins, but is looking forward to the season.

There are some changes to the coming season for the Sharks, including the signing of a new head coach Peter DeBoer, assistant coach Bob Boughner and Johan Hedberg as assistant coach/goaltending coach. DeBoer is the eighth head coach in Sharks franchise history. It’s his 21^st consecutive year of service as head coach at both the NHL and Canadian Hockey League levels. Most recently, DeBoer coached the New Jersey Devils, leading them during 11-12 season to the Stanley Cup Finals, falling to the LA Kings in six games.

Gabryel Boudreau – Photo by Jack Lima

This season marks the Sharks 25^th season, in which they will wear a new patch on their game jerseys to commemorate the anniversary.

The AHL San Jose Barracuda will play at the SAP center, with the Sharks for the coming season. The Sharks will open the season on the road against the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday, October 7, 2015. Their first home opener will be on Saturday October 10, against the Anaheim Ducks.