Sharks Acquire Jody Shelley
Tuesday, 01.29.2008 / 10:01 PM
/ News
By San Jose Sharks Staff
San Jose Sharks Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Wilson has acquired left wing Jody Shelley from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for a sixth round selection in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.
“Jody Shelley is an aggressive, physical player who adds a distinct element of toughness to our team,” said Wilson. “With the loss of players like Ryane Clowe and Brad Norton due to injury, this is something we have been trying to address and we like the capabilities that Jody brings to our mix of players. He has tremendous character, has always been a team player and has the ability to make the opposition uncomfortable on the ice.”
The six-foot-four, 225-pound native of Thompson, Manitoba has posted 44 penalty minutes in 31 games with Columbus this season. He is regarded as one of the NHL’s top enforcers and as a player always willing to stick up for his teammates.
“He adds sandpaper to our lineup,” said Wilson.
This was not the first time the Sharks top hockey executive had explored trading for the former Blue Jackets bruiser.
“We tried earlier this year to get him and it happened that he became available now,” said Wilson. “I think we’ve missed (that element) since Scott Parker left, but more so since Clowe (went down). He’ll bring something to the table I think we need.”
How much Shelley plays each night will be determined by Sharks Head Coach Ron Wilson.
“It’s completely up to Ron,” said Doug Wilson. “He’s a good skater for a guy with his size. He’s played four to seven minutes (in Columbus) and knows the Western Conference well. I talked to him 15 to 20 minutes ago and he’s pretty excited to be joining the team.”
Signed by the Columbus as a free agent on Feb. 1, 2001, the 31-year old Shelley has played in 380 NHL games, all with the Blue Jackets, and posted 29 points (11 goals, 18 assists) and 1,025 penalty minutes.
NEXT GAME
The Sharks will return to action Wednesday night when they travel to Calgary to take on the Flames at 6:30 PM (Pacific). The game will be broadcast on FSN Plus, 98.5 KFOX FM, Sharks Radio Affiliates and SJSHARKS.com.
“Jody Shelley is an aggressive, physical player who adds a distinct element of toughness to our team,” said Wilson. “With the loss of players like Ryane Clowe and Brad Norton due to injury, this is something we have been trying to address and we like the capabilities that Jody brings to our mix of players. He has tremendous character, has always been a team player and has the ability to make the opposition uncomfortable on the ice.”
The six-foot-four, 225-pound native of Thompson, Manitoba has posted 44 penalty minutes in 31 games with Columbus this season. He is regarded as one of the NHL’s top enforcers and as a player always willing to stick up for his teammates.
“He adds sandpaper to our lineup,” said Wilson.
This was not the first time the Sharks top hockey executive had explored trading for the former Blue Jackets bruiser.
“We tried earlier this year to get him and it happened that he became available now,” said Wilson. “I think we’ve missed (that element) since Scott Parker left, but more so since Clowe (went down). He’ll bring something to the table I think we need.”
How much Shelley plays each night will be determined by Sharks Head Coach Ron Wilson.
“It’s completely up to Ron,” said Doug Wilson. “He’s a good skater for a guy with his size. He’s played four to seven minutes (in Columbus) and knows the Western Conference well. I talked to him 15 to 20 minutes ago and he’s pretty excited to be joining the team.”
Signed by the Columbus as a free agent on Feb. 1, 2001, the 31-year old Shelley has played in 380 NHL games, all with the Blue Jackets, and posted 29 points (11 goals, 18 assists) and 1,025 penalty minutes.
NEXT GAME
The Sharks will return to action Wednesday night when they travel to Calgary to take on the Flames at 6:30 PM (Pacific). The game will be broadcast on FSN Plus, 98.5 KFOX FM, Sharks Radio Affiliates and SJSHARKS.com.
