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Sharks pay tribute to Tomas Hertl in return to SJ

Posted on by Erika Towne
Dec 27, 2024; San Jose, California, USA; Former San Jose Sharks player and current Vegas Golden Knights center Tomas Hertl (48) waves to the crowd before their game at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

The San Jose Sharks paid tribute to Tomas Hertl last night, marking the forward’s first game in San Jose since the February trade last season. While Hertl approached the game with trepidation and uncertainty about how he would be received by the Sharks fanbase, the San Jose crew knew what an important player he was to the team. In a tribute reserved for only the most revered of former Sharks, Hertl was honored before the drop of the puck in the first period.

Props to the Sharks’ media relations team that was sure to include some highlights for the goals that Hertl scored against the Vegas Golden Knights. It was also nice to see Hertl take that solo lap around the rink to salute the crowd.

Before that, during warmups, Hertl was spotted tossing pucks into the crowd at SAP Center just like he used to.

And, after the game, Hertl seemed happy with the response he received from the fans.

ā€œIt was really weird, honestly, after 11 years, it was first time coming back,” Hertl told William Espy. “The feeling was mixed up, especially early [in] the game. Because for so many years, the fans [were] cheering for you, and I think fans always liked me.ā€

Fmr. Sharks rookie star meets new Sharks rookie star

Sharks fans remember the way Hertl broke into the league as a young man, especially his four-goal night that included a between the legs goal and the famous rooster trick comment. Last night was especially fitting because Hertl was on the ice with San Jose’s newest rookie star, Macklin Celebrini.

Celebrini had an assist last night, which was his 26th point of the season. According to the Sharks’ public relations team, Celebrini’s 26 points in 26 games has surpassed Hertl’s rookie scoring output of 25 points in 37 games.

After the game, Hertl was extremely complimentary of Celebrini.

“I think he’s really talented, and doesn’t seem like heā€™s 18 years old because he makes strong plays,” Hertl told Espy. “He played hard and I feel like heā€™s got a huge future front of him because he’s just 18, and he’s making unreal plays already.”

Hertl endearing himself to Vegas teammates

Hertl was beloved in San Jose not just for his play on the ice but also for his attitude off of it. It’s something that his teammates in Vegas have quickly recognized as well.

“Once you get to know the guy, it’s no secret as to why this city loved him. All of his effort him and his family put into the city and this team. He’s doing those same things in Vegas now, being a part of the community and being a great team player,” said Vegas defenseman Zach Whitecloud. “A good guy around the room and veteran leadership at that. He’s been in a lot of big games, big scenarios and that only helps feed into our culture here and what we try to do every single year.”

While number 48 did not score for the Golden Knights, his team ultimately won, which is really all he wanted out of his hockey life. That’s what he told San Jose Hockey Now’s Sheng Peng before the game.

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