San Jose Sharks: Draft and Free Agency Update

What an exciting last couple of weeks this has been! First began the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, where exciting young prospects were selected, and then began the opportunity to sign players with a "free agency" status. While the Sharks still have some decisions to make concerning their 2010-2011 team, as general manager Doug Wilson aims to create a roster rife with playoff success.

Perhaps the largest piece of news, aside from the last update where Evgeni Nabokov's departure and Patrick Marleau/Joe Pavelski's re-signing were announced, the Sharks have signed a new goaltender: Antero Niittymaki of Finland - a two-year contract for $2 million per year. Previously playing for both the Philadelphia Flyers and the Tampa Bay Lightning, he is mostly noted for leading Team Finland to the silver medal during the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy (where he was also voted the tournament MVP). Nabokov, meanwhile, has returned to the KHL (Kontinental Hockey League, in Russia), where he, today, signed a four year contract with the SKA St. Petersburg team. Best of luck to him there!

As far as the draft picks from the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, here are the Sharks' selections (hat tip to sharkspage.com for the names and stats):

1st round (28th overall) – Charlie Coyle
Position: RW/C
Birthplace: Boston, MA
Size: 6-foot-2, 202-pounds
Shoots: Right

3rd round (88th overall) – Max Gaede
Position: RW
Birthplace: Maryland, MN
Size: 6-foot-2, 187-pounds
Shoots: Right

5th round (127th overall) – Cody Ferriero
Position: C
Birthplace: Boston, MA
Size: 5-foot-11, 190-pounds
Shoots: Right

5th round (129th overall) – Freddie Hamilton
Position: C
Birthplace: Toronto, ON
Size: 6-foot-1, 187-pounds
Shoots: Right

5th round (136th overall) – Isaac MacLeod
Position: D
Birthplace: Nelson, BC
Size: 6-foot-4, 205-pounds
Shoots: Left

6th round (163rd overall) – Konrad Abeltshauser
Position: D
Birthplace: Bad Tolz, Germany
Size: 6-foot-5, 190-pounds
Shoots: Left

7th round (188th overall) – Lee Moffie
Position: D
Birthplace: Wallingford, CT
Size: 6-foot-1, 200-pounds
Shoots: Left

7th round (200th overall) – Chris Crane
Position: RW
Birthplace: Virginia Beach, VA
Size: 6-foot-0, 189-pounds
Shoots: Right

Here's hoping the Sharks can utilize both their veterans and new talent this upcoming year. Although I am confident we can make playoffs again, we need to win, plain and simple.

Hopefully the Sharks can make a couple more good moves before the free agency and trading period ends. Currently, there are quite a bit of high-valued trades/signings going on, although mostly rumored. The hottest topics right now in the NHL concerning free agents are Mike Modano (the greatest American player ever, now dropped by the Stars and very likely to sign with the Red Wings), Ilya Kovalchuk (2001 first pick and solid player having issues choosing between the Devils and the Kings; that and his high salary demand), and for San Jose fans, Owen Nolan (arguably one of the best Sharks players who is rumored, albeit somewhat unlikely, to come back to play at the Tank).

Here is to the upcoming season!

Photos from Epic First Friday (SubZERO)

While there wasn't a South First Friday this weekend, I do have a few photos from the phenomenal SubZERO First Friday in June!

Scott's Seafood Expanding in Downtown SJ

It looks like Scott's is the latest of many restaurants that are double downing in San Jose's cultural epicenter. This will make it the 5th Downtown restaurant to expand this year (Morton's, La Vics, Flames, and Diabolos/Azucar are the other four). It's pretty rare to see restaurants expand even in a strong economy, so seeing five expanding today within a few city blocks is a great sign for Downtown.

Scott's will be adding outdoor seating for up to 60 people. Keep in mind that this restaurant is on the top floor of a 6 story building, so a nice view will come along with that al fresco dining experience. In addition, Scott's is planning to upgrade the furniture, lighting, and paint in the interior portion of the 8,500sqft restaurant.

Happy Fourth of July 2010!!!

I hope everyone has an amazing Fourth with family and friends! If you are still deciding what to do tonight, below are 4 different venues providing major fireworks shows in the South Bay tonight. There is also a more extensive list over at SJ Metblogs. Have fun!

Central Park in Santa Clara 
http://santaclaraca.gov/index.aspx?page=41&recordid=2457
July 4th All City Picnic - Breakfast, entertainment, music, carnival games, face painting, swimming, food. Fireworks display at 9:30pm. Sunday, July 4, 2010. (408) 615-3140

San Jose Municipal Stadium 
http://www.sjgiants.com
San Jose July 4th Fireworks Celebration - San Jose July 4th Fireworks Celebration - 95.3 KRTY'S All-American Country Jam - concert featuring Country Music Artist Chris Cagle and a performance by Ash Bowers. Sunday, July 4, 2010. 588 East Alma Avenue, San Jose, CA. 408-297-1435.

Shoreline Amphitheater  
http://www.livenation.com/edp/eventId/422326
The 24th Annual 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular - featuring the San Francisco Symphony and music from Wicked, Rocky, West Side Story, Peter Pan, Titanic, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Star Wars and many more! 4-pack of Reserved Seats are only $79! Tickets at LiveNation.com

Cupertino 
http://www.cupertino.org/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=3418
4th of July Celebration - All Day Sunday July 4, 2010. 7am - 9:30am Breakfast at the Quinlan Community Center, 10am Parade with family concert to follow, 6:45pm musical entertainment at Creekside Park, Hyde Middle School or Sedgwick Elementary. Fireworks begin at 9:30pm. (408) 777-3110, (408) 777-3120

Proposed ordinance threatens San Jose Bike Party

Worth of a read if you enjoy biking or supporting groups and organizations that add value to our community:

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The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors has a proposed Special Event Ordinance on their June 22 agenda for discussion at 10am.
This ordinance threatens the existence of San Jose Bike Party, as well as any rides of more than 50 riders! It’s overreaching and possibly prohibited by the CVC.
The Silicon Valley Bike Coalition has posted its position on this issue, and have setup aFacebook event with information as well. We urge you to read the proposal and SVBC’s position statement, then take action.
Some of the ways you can help:

• Write, e-mail, or call your County Supervisor. SmartVoter.org has their contact information.
• Show up at the Board of Supervisors meeting, June 22 at 10am, Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors Chambers, 70 West Hedding St, San Jose, CA.
• Spread the word! Blog, tweet, Facebook, etc!

Update

At the June 22 Board of Supervisors meeting, the Supervisors voted unanimously to table the matter until August 2010. It will go back to committee for revision. The video from the meeting is available on the SCC Public Portal.A big thanks to all those that attended the meeting, contacted their Supervisors, and spread the word. Hopefully the ordinance will be reasonble and consistent with the CVC when it comes up again in August.

Proposed ordinance threatens San Jose Bike Party

Almaden retail plan estimated at $30M-$50M - Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal

There's a massive retail development being planned right around the corner from Westfield Oakridge and Almaden Plaza called Almaden Ranch. After being built, this should bring the total retail in the area to nearly 3 million sqft, perhaps giving Valley Fair/Santana Row some competition for shoppers' attention. Hopefully they're able to squeeze in a few unique stores and restaurants in between the anchors. Here's the summary from the Business Journal:

• 350,000 - 400,000sqft of retail on 40 acres of agricultural land
• 2 anchors, a few sub-anchors, restaurants, small shops, and a gas station (20-30 tenants)
• Speculated anchors include Lowe's, JCPenny, and The Home Depot
• Potential Spring 2012 opening 

For more information, have a look at the full article right over here: Almaden retail plan estimated at $30M-$50M - Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal

BART to San Jose Inches Closer to Reality

According to the Transbay Blog, it looks like we are a tad bit closer to getting BART in our neck of the woods:

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Record of Decision issued for BART to San Jose

25 JUNE 2010

by Eric

BART to San Jose has advanced one step forward in the New Starts process.  The Federal Transit Administration has now issued a Record of Decision (ROD) for the BART extension, which marks federal approval of the project’s environmental impact statement.  The ROD only covers the initial phase between Warm Springs and Berryessa, including two new stations at Milpitas and Berryessa.

VTA seeks a $900 million federal contribution toward the $2.1 billion Berryessa extension.  The ROD qualifies VTA to move forward in the process, and the next step is to execute a Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA) in February 2011, which would allow VTA to obtain the federal funding it needs to build the project.  Construction could begin in 2012, and revenue service could commence in 2018.

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