Like most of us who work for the Sharks, I’m asked every day what I think of the NHL labor negotiation and when I think the season will start. The fact is that none of us who are employed by the team are allowed to discuss the issue, per League rules.

People are also interested in what the broadcasters are doing to pass the time. We’ve actually been quite active. Here’s some of what’s been on my plate in October:

The First Tee of the Tri-Valley Backyard BBQ
Barone's Restaurant - Pleasanton, CA

The First Tee of the Tri-Valley was formed seven years ago by a group of golf professionals and local business leaders. The purpose of the charity is to make golfing more accessible and affordable throughout the Tri-Valley and the greater Alameda County area for children ages 7-17.

But along with learning how to play , the children are also exposed to virtues such as honor, patience and fair play, lessons that will be valuable beyond the golf course. Golf professionals Dana Jetter and Todd Fisher along with many others work tirelessly to grow the game and their organization. There’s also a hockey connection. The First Tee of the Tri-Valley’s executive director is Dan McKegney, son of former NHLer Tony McKegney.

Good Tidings Foundation 2012 Auction Catalogue Kickoff
Mistral Restaurant and Bar - Redwood City, CA

Good Tidings is a children’s charity that supports Arts, Education, Athletics and Dreams for young people in need in the Greater Bay Area. The Sharks have partnered with Good Tidings for many years in the creation of street hockey courts at public schools. Good Tidings raises the funds, constructs the courts and then completely outfits the school with the necessary equipment.

I’ve been fortunate enough to be at several of the court dedication ceremonies and it’s amazing to see how the children enjoy and take pride in their school’s new facility. Larry Harper and his staff also work extensively with the San Francisco Giants and the Golden State Warriors building baseball and basketball facilities.

One of their major fund raisers each year is their auction. You can actually bid online until November 1st on over 150 exciting items and packages. Click here to download the entire catalog (PDF).

Silver Creek Sportsplex Foundation Celebrity Luncheon
Silver Creek Sportsplex - San Jose, CA

If you’ve ever visited Silver Creek Sportsplex you know that it is a first-class facility for roller hockey, indoor soccer and many other activities. What you might not know is that it’s operated by former Shark Dave Maley and his wife Karin.

Last week they held their first ever celebrity luncheon in the Sportsplex's massive food court. The likes of Kristi Yamaguchi, Todd McLellan, Drew Remenda, Brent Jones, Jamie Baker, Jim Johnson and Dan Rusanowsky provided the celebrity quotient while over a hundred guests enjoyed the incredible food prepared by High Five at the Plex.

It was all in support of the Silver Creek Sportsplex Foundation, who aims to ensure that every child, regardless of financial ability, can take part in local athletic training and competition. The speakers were inspiring and the event was a hit!

Here’s hoping we’re back at the rink watching the Sharks soon!

I’m Randy Hahn