One by one, the San Jose Sharks players stepped off the ice and gave high-fives to select Special Olympics Northern California floor hockey athletes, at Sharks Ice in San Jose on Sept. 25.
Many of the Sharks signed autographs. Center Alex Wennberg spent some extra time posing for pictures and conversing with the Special Olympics athletes and their families.
“You see the joy on the floor hockey athletes’ faces from the Special Olympics, and that tells you you’re doing something right,” said Kevin Brown, head of community impact for Sharks Sports & Entertainment (SSE). “This is a moment they’ll remember forever: the opportunity to meet their hockey heroes face-to-face and spend a few moments with them. It’s something special, and we’re proud to be able to offer up opportunities like that throughout the year.”
The event gave the Special Olympics athletes the chance to watch the Sharks practice and spend time together afterward, serving as one of the most impactful gatherings in the longstanding partnership between SSE and Special Olympics Northern California.
The former recently donated 120 helmets to ensure that the Special Olympics NorCal floor hockey team would have the necessary equipment to play the game.
Since they’ve teamed up, the Sharks Foundation has given more than $260,000 to the Special Olympics chapter, to support floor hockey and other programming.
“As an organization, the Sharks and the Sharks Foundation have really focused on ensuring that access to floor hockey for hundreds of athletes and their coaches remain free,” Brown said. “It ensures that accessibility continues to be something that is available to them.”
The floor hockey program is thriving with 400-plus athletes and coaches.
The Sharks and the Sharks Foundation partner with the Special Olympics Northern California to provide opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
“We believe that access to hockey is incredibly important for people in our community, regardless of their background or their ability,” Brown said.
Speaking of impact, the annual game in January pairs the Sharks’ players competing alongside the Special Olympic athletes, one of the highlights of the year for all the parties involved.
“We support Special Olympics Northern California throughout the year,” said Brown, noting the annual floor hockey game is the culmination. “We bring all the bells and whistles from SAP Center—from running out of the Shark head, to the players and coaches (participating). Coach (Ryan) Warsofsky serves as our lead referee…so, it’s an experience unlike any other. We’re really proud to be able to provide that now in its eighth year.”
Prep report
The Los Gatos High School football team was on its bye week—but eyeing their upcoming Oct. 2 showdown at perennial NorCal power Pittsburg High. The Pirates are just 2-2, but that record is misleading. Pittsburg’s two losses have come against nationally-ranked powers St. John Bosco and Mission Viejo. The Pirates are ranked No. 3 in the Bay Area and No. 23 in the state.
The Wildcats check-in at No. 6 in the Bay Area—and No. 44 in the state—according to Max Preps. Los Gatos (3-1) entered its bye week with good vibes after crushing previously undefeated San Mateo, 35-7, on Sept. 18. The Wildcats built a 35-0 lead at halftime, essentially sealing the outcome. Jack Siri completed 6-of-7 passes for 100 yards and two touchdowns, while Devonte Troutt carried the ball 12 times for 83 yards.
Shane Harmer had two TD receptions, and Lane Newman led the way defensively with seven solo tackles, one fumble recovery and a tackle for loss.
Cross country
Kevin Sacco placed second in the SCVAL No. 1 meet at Baylands Park in Palo Alto on Sept. 23, covering the 5K course in 16 minutes, 27.9 seconds. Teammate Peter Malone also broke 17 minutes, clocking in at 16:58.6 to place ninth. Sacco is having a tremendous season, having placed sixth in the Westmoor Ram Invitational on Sept. 26.
In the SCVAL #1 girls race, Sept. 23 at Baylands Park in Sunnyvale, the Wildcats had three finishers place in the top 12—Piper Pyle (fourth), Elise Greenstreet (sixth) and Kiley Horwitz (12th)—but their lack of depth in the Nos. 4-5 positions prevented them from a top-two team finish.
Girls volleyball
The Wildcats entered this week at 12-5 overall and 4-0 in the SCVAL De Anza Division—and were set to play Cupertino (a matchup of the first- and second-place teams in the division) on Sept. 29. Two days after that, they take on Los Altos. Los Gatos has looked strong in league play, downing Palo Alto, Monta Vista, Milpitas and Homestead. None of the Wildcats’ league opponents have extended them to a decisive fifth game.
