SHARKS PLAYERS TO VISIT OAKLAND ICE CENTER MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 FROM 4-6 P.M.

SAN JOSE, CA - On Mon., Sept. 15 from 4-6 p.m., select players from the San Jose Sharks organization will visit the Oakland Ice Center Operated by Sharks Ice (OIC) to greet local fans.

Sharks prospects will skate with the public from 4:00-5:00pm during the late afternoon Public Skate Session, in addition to offering up pointers on skating techniques to the newest members of the OIC's youth hockey program.  Afterward, the players will conduct a hockey skills clinic with the Oakland Bears Mite (8U) and Squirt (10U) youth hockey teams from 5:00-5:30pm, followed by an autograph session from 5:30-6:00pm.

Joining the Sharks players for the skating and hockey clinics will be Derek Donald, the OIC's new hockey manager.  Donald, a former Div. I college and professional hockey player, comes to the OIC with 19 years of hockey coaching and management experience.

"We really appreciate the players taking the time out of their busy schedules to give back to the kids of the Bay Area community," said Donald. "Their tips and words of encouragement provide our young players a special boost going into their own hockey seasons."

"Meeting and interacting with these professionals is the highlight of the season for our young hockey players," said OIC General Manager Melissa Fitzgerald. "Many of the players who have previously visited the OIC as prospects have gone on to play key roles with the San Jose Sharks, including Logan Couture, Andrew Desjardins and Justin Braun, to name a few. Watching them achieve success inspires our kids to keep working hard to reach their own goals."

Sharks Ice is currently accepting registrations for its fall hockey classes and house hockey league, both of which begin the week of Sept. 15. Sharks Ice offers classes and leagues for children and adults of all ages and ability levels in a variety of ice sports, including ice hockey, figure skating, curling, speedskating, and broomball.

The Oakland Ice Center opened in 1995, and is owned by the City of Oakland. Managed by Sharks Ice since 2007, this full service facility boasts two ice rinks - one NHL regulation size and the only Olympic surface in Northern California - as well as a snack bar, pro shop, ballet room, three party/conference rooms, ten locker rooms and an assortment of other amenities. During its tenure at the OIC, Sharks Ice has significantly expanded participation in all ice sports disciplines, while also offering free and low cost programs to thousands of Oakland youths each year.  Sharks Ice is a proud member of the NHL's "Hockey Is For Everyone" initiative.