While I’ve been following how the Sharks have been doing, I haven’t really watched any of their games. Mostly because I don’t have the time or an understanding wife (even though she claims hockey is her favorite sport – it’s not enough of a favorite to actually want to watch it) and also because I frankly find it hard to watch. I must be old and blind, because mostly all I see is a bunch of dudes whizzing around. I can never tell where the puck is or what’s going on until an announcer proclaims “goal!”
But last night I watched, because the #1 team (Sharks) was going up against the #2 team, the Chicago Blackhawks, so there was that. Plus, there’s a guy amongst my Facebook posse that’s really into Chicago sports, so I wanted to see him eat puck. Alas, that did not happen, as the Blackhawks took in overtime, but check out who dropped the ceremonial puck at the start of the game!
The Panda! So that was a cool surprise. Weird to see him in Sharks getup, but at least they got the number right!
In other news, according to this tweat, The Giants are done making moves for free agents. Really? That seems kind of boring. We got Mark DeRosa and Aubrey Huff and we’re done? Maybe that’s how it always works, but I was hoping for more of a “Michael Jordan” type announcement. Wishful thinking, I guess! (Sorry I just crossed sports analogies there!)
Just a Bit Outside... 
Panda on Ice….
And there was no Disney magic needed.
It is always great to see players from other sports show support for other local franchises while they are playing in our communities.
I know a lot of the hockey and football players come to Rays games, and vice versa.
The bonding of the athletes showing support for each others foundations and charity events is also a key piece of the local effort.
Great to see Panda supporting the San Jose Sharks…. But I see him more as a Raiders fan than a 49er….
Rays Renegade
http://raysrenegade.mlblogs.com
Nope, no Disney magic! They leave that to Ducks games. 😉 Yeah it was cool to see the crossover. Looked like he had a good time. Said he liked the fighting, but that’s what everybody says about hockey!
I like how the Sharks announcers were joking that Brian Sabean was watching very closely as the panda was walking out onto the ice, not wanting him to slip or something lol.
The Sharks are a great team, but hockey is much more entertaining when experienced live. The atmosphere and dedication of fans at the shark tank really took me by surprise. I’ve been hooked since I went to my first game earlier this year.
I’ve heard that hockey is more entertaining live. I think a goal this year is for me to go see a Sharks game at some point. I’ve been to the arena before, but haven’t seen them play yet.