San Jose Sharks celebrate 25th anniversary

SAN JOSE, Calif. - The San Jose Sharks have come a long way from their days at the rundown Cow Palace when their signature teal jerseys seemed to be a bigger attraction than the product on the ice.

The Sharks have grown in their 25 years into one of the more successful non-traditional NHL market franchises by becoming a consistent winner on the ice and developing the game at the grassroots level.

As they celebrated their 25th anniversary Tuesday night with current players, alumni and fans, there was only one glaring thing missing.

''It's a long time, great time, great memories,'' owner Hasso Plattner said. ''No Stanley Cup yet.''

The Sharks have come close to the ultimate prize, with three trips to the conference finals and 10 straight playoff berths before missing the postseason last year.

After a few shaky stretches, San Jose is currently tied for second place in the Pacific Division - with strong hopes of making it back to the playoffs this season.

''The team is playing relatively well,'' Plattner said. ''We're hanging in in the position. They have to show it now in the remaining 40 games. I think we have all the abilities, and they have to do it.''

The on-ice product took a back seat temporarily Tuesday night to the extravaganza that featured players in tuxedos walking in on a teal carpet, highlights of the team's first quarter-century and a celebration of hockey's success in the Bay Area.

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