When the Sharks' franchise was born via NHL expansion and began play in 1991-92, I was so engulfed by my college years I probably don't have the proper perspective and respect due to George Gund III, whose efforts brought hockey back to the Bay Area after the short-lived California Golden Seals had a brief and mostly unsuccessful NHL stint in these parts almost two decades earlier.
More than 20 years after Gund and his brother Gordon gave San Jose its first -and to date- only "big four" franchise (stay tuned if Athletics' baseball becomes the Sharks' neighbor and TealandGreenSports becomes more than just a modest blog but a side-by-side showcase of my two favorite teams!), hockey is alive and well in NorCal. The Sharks have come a long ways since Gund's first two teams had to play in the ancient Cow Palace -I went to a game at the old barn in I believe the team's second season. Now HP Pavilion remains a great and intimidating home ice venue and home to some of the loudest crowds in the game. (Even Kevin Bieksa thinks so). Gund's vision has now become a regularly sold-out arena and a franchise that has won consistently (except a certain large silver trophy, but that's besides the point).
So it was sad to hear today's news that Gund has passed away at age 75. The Sharks' Website also had a nice story and video honoring and recalling his 2008 induction to the San Jose Sports Hall of Fame. Gund should get an emotional moment of silence from the home crowd when the Sharks open their home schedule next week.
More than 20 years after Gund and his brother Gordon gave San Jose its first -and to date- only "big four" franchise (stay tuned if Athletics' baseball becomes the Sharks' neighbor and TealandGreenSports becomes more than just a modest blog but a side-by-side showcase of my two favorite teams!), hockey is alive and well in NorCal. The Sharks have come a long ways since Gund's first two teams had to play in the ancient Cow Palace -I went to a game at the old barn in I believe the team's second season. Now HP Pavilion remains a great and intimidating home ice venue and home to some of the loudest crowds in the game. (Even Kevin Bieksa thinks so). Gund's vision has now become a regularly sold-out arena and a franchise that has won consistently (except a certain large silver trophy, but that's besides the point).
So it was sad to hear today's news that Gund has passed away at age 75. The Sharks' Website also had a nice story and video honoring and recalling his 2008 induction to the San Jose Sports Hall of Fame. Gund should get an emotional moment of silence from the home crowd when the Sharks open their home schedule next week.
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