The San Jose Sharks joined the Special Olympics Northern California field hockey athletes at the Santa Clara High School gymnasium Saturday afternoon for a riveting game. Organized by the Sharks Foundation, the game featured energy-filled highlights with Sharks Players (Mario Ferraro, Barclay Goodrow, Alexander Wennberg, William Eklund, Adam Gaudette, and Vincent Iorio) joining the field hockey athletes for an unforgettable afternoon.
Broadcasters Drew Remenda, Randy Hahn, Dan Rusanowski, and Emily Harlan hosted the event, creating a fun, energetic environment and making the experience as close to the Shark Tank as possible. Head Coach Ryan Warsofsky was singlehandedly officiating the game, rocking a full 180 look as a linesman.
This event is more than important for Warsofsky.
“This is my favorite event I’m involved in. I mean, I don’t love being a ref, but it’s a very special event for everyone,” he said. “I think sometimes we get lost in what we do in our day-to-day. We have to give back as role models and mentors. Its important for the San Jose Sharks and the community of San Jose to give back.”
And the Sharks have shown nothing short of that. The involvement in events like this speaks loudly about the organization and what they stand for.
“To give back to causes like this is what the San Jose Sharks are about.”
It’s actions that make a difference. Not just on the ice, but representing who you are as a community outside of it. And the Sharks have got it down.
The Sharks joined the athletes on the court to play a full three-period game that ended 9-6 in favor of the black team. It was an energetic game that started 3-0 for Team White, but their opponents tied it up. Team Black athletes were relentless, with key saves made by all goaltenders, and highlights from players like Aaron Samuels, who scored a good third of the goals. They were able to shift the score to a solid 5-6. they didnt stop there. With incredible defensive efforts by Team White, they weren’t expecting a four-goal run by team black to end the game 9-6. An amazing competition with strong efforts on both ends.
But the real highlight of the day was the magic in the space. A small high school gym carries immeasurable joy. Warsofsky described it perfectly. he shares what he learns from these athletes.
“The joy of life,” he said. “You see how much fun they have, how hard they compete, and sportsmanship.”
After the second period, it was announced that Alex Wennberg bought each player a ticket to a Sharks game, including a plus-one. A more than kind gesture that reflects what kind of players we have on the Sharks.
“I wanted to give back. its good to have them enjoy the game of hockey. You can see it. the excitement, the joy, no matter what it is, they are so happy,” he said.
Having this experience for the second year in a row, Wennberg takes bits of it with him.
“It just shows off what the organization stands for. The biggest takeaway is the happiness,” said Wennberg. “It’s my second year, and every time it leaves me with a smile on my face.”
The Sharks Foundation, known for its incredible work for raising money for underserved youth and families through auctions, Hosting Make a Wish events, and the Sharks making appearances in public schools, including a plan to distribute $1 million over the course of three years to nonprofit organizations closing educational and vocational gaps for underserved young adults.
It was the seventh year this event was held. Kevin Brown, their executive director and head of community impact, speaks on the impact they want to have on the floor hockey teams.
“We’re able to provide a community assist grant through the Sharks Foundation that helps fund this program for more than 400 athletes across Northern California,” he said.
An action that speaks volumes. He shares why it is so important to lift up this community.
“We believe that hockey is for everyone, and that means at its core, access and opportunity in the sport,” he said. “We’re proud to provide access to this game in any way possible in order to allow people in our community to dream big and see themselves in this game.”
Chief Executive Officer David Solo from Special Olympics Norcal, explains why it is important to attend events like these.
“Its imporatnt to support Special Olympic athletes because it empowers them. We want to continue to empower them,” he explained. “People are just people. We want to give them all the support they need to reinforce the skills they need to be successful in society.”
Partnering with the Sharks Foundation happens without a second thought. The two organizations work closely to ensure a difference is made.
“I think we’ve been blessed. The Sharks Foundation is legitimately engaged in our work. from top to all the way down the organization, they are an incredible partner; we can never thank them enough,” said Solo.
There are key takeaways from a day like this. Some that are felt all around.
“The joy when you go to a competition or event, that’s the thing you need to take away is the fun and joy, and exuberance in the athletes, and you think of all the obstacles they face in life, and they teach us a lot. its compelling.”
