Starting next year, Bay Area hockey fans will get a unique double-dose of stick checks and slapshots.
The Worcester Sharks, the San Jose Sharks’ minor league affiliate, is relocating to San Jose next season, the American Hockey League announced Thursday.
The minor league team will play 38 regular season games at the Shark Tank. The joint tenant deal will be the only one of its kind in the NHL.
The name, logo, colors and schedule for the San Jose AHL team will be released at a later date.
Four other NHL teams are also moving their minor league teams to California as part of a westward shift designed to bring the farm teams closer to their parent clubs.
The AHL announced the creation of a Pacific Division for next season, the product of nearly three years of discussions with the NHL. Anaheim (San Diego), Calgary (Stockton), Edmonton (Bakersfield), Los Angeles (Ontario) and San Jose (San Jose) will each move their primary minor league affiliate to the California cities this summer.
Ducks prospects have been assigned to the Norfolk Admirals in Virginia. The Adirondack Flames have been playing in Glens Falls, New York. The Oilers have been tied to the Oklahoma City Barons. The Kings have been with the Manchester Monarchs in New Hampshire. The Worcester Sharks have been playing in Massachusetts.
