Friesen Returns As A Tryout Player
Wednesday, 08.27.2008 / 6:23 PM
/ News
By Roger Ross
- Senior Staff Writer
Sharks fan favorite Jeff Friesen will return to San Jose as a tryout player when Sharks training camp begins Sept. 20 at Sharks Ice at San Jose.
The left wing, who was one of the team’s most popular players back in the mid-late 1990s, will be attempting to make the Sharks roster just as he did coming directly from juniors back in 1994. He was moved to Anaheim in a blockbuster trade in 2001, along with goaltender Steve Shields and future considerations (a second round pick), for right wing Teemu Selanne. Friesen left as the franchise’s all-time leader in games played.
Friesen’s first stint in San Jose resulted in 350 points (149 goals and 201 assists) in 512 games. For his career, Friesen has played in 893 contests and posted 516 points.
“I’d love to end my career here,” said Friesen, who won a Stanley Cup in 2003 with New Jersey. “But first things first and I have to take advantage of the opportunity.”
Friesen is currently skating at Sharks Ice at the Captain’s Practices and is enjoying skating with NHLers. Last year, he played five games for Lake Erie, Colorado’s American Hockey League affiliate, and scored five points (four assists) in five games.
“It’s nice to get in and be around the guys,” Friesen said. “Teams do things differently and it’s good to start skating with the players.”
Sharks Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Wilson is happy to provide Friesen a chance.
“He has a good history here and we’re looking forward to him coming in and being able to compete for a spot,” Wilson said.
POSSIBLE
The Sharks are still working on contracts for forward Tomas Plihal and defenseman Alexei Semenov.
SLC
The preseason game on Oct. 5 vs. Los Angeles, originally listed at 5 p.m. at Energy Solutions Center in Salt Lake City, will actually be played at 7 p.m. local (6 p.m. PDT) at the “E” Center.
The left wing, who was one of the team’s most popular players back in the mid-late 1990s, will be attempting to make the Sharks roster just as he did coming directly from juniors back in 1994. He was moved to Anaheim in a blockbuster trade in 2001, along with goaltender Steve Shields and future considerations (a second round pick), for right wing Teemu Selanne. Friesen left as the franchise’s all-time leader in games played.
Friesen’s first stint in San Jose resulted in 350 points (149 goals and 201 assists) in 512 games. For his career, Friesen has played in 893 contests and posted 516 points.
“I’d love to end my career here,” said Friesen, who won a Stanley Cup in 2003 with New Jersey. “But first things first and I have to take advantage of the opportunity.”
Friesen is currently skating at Sharks Ice at the Captain’s Practices and is enjoying skating with NHLers. Last year, he played five games for Lake Erie, Colorado’s American Hockey League affiliate, and scored five points (four assists) in five games.
“It’s nice to get in and be around the guys,” Friesen said. “Teams do things differently and it’s good to start skating with the players.”
Sharks Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Wilson is happy to provide Friesen a chance.
“He has a good history here and we’re looking forward to him coming in and being able to compete for a spot,” Wilson said.
POSSIBLE
The Sharks are still working on contracts for forward Tomas Plihal and defenseman Alexei Semenov.
SLC
The preseason game on Oct. 5 vs. Los Angeles, originally listed at 5 p.m. at Energy Solutions Center in Salt Lake City, will actually be played at 7 p.m. local (6 p.m. PDT) at the “E” Center.
