Inaugural Military Appreciation Night on Veterans Day

SAN JOSE, CA - On Sunday, November 11, the San Jose Sharks hosted Military Appreciation Night for the first time on Veterans Day. Traditionally held in January to coincide with the Sharks Foundation's Heroes Appreciation Month campaign, the organization decided that moving the initiative to Veterans Day would be a perfect opportunity to join the entire country in celebrating our former and current United States service members.
As fans entered the doors of SAP Center, they received a double-sided camouflage "This is Military Appreciation" Sharks Territory sign presented by Alaska Airlines. Fans were encouraged to hold the U.S. flag side of the sign during the national anthem which was performed by Senior Airman Stephanie Allen from the U.S. Airforce Band of the Golden West as a group from the U.S. Coast Guard presented the colors behind starting goaltender #31 Martin Jones' net.
The game against the Calgary Flames started with 10-year Army veteran Javier Castillo dropping the puck. Castillo served four deployments as a sniper assigned to the Long Range Surveillance Detachment and Reconnaissance Surveillance Target Acquisition Team. As part of non-profit
Mission Volant
's action adventure therapy program, on October 20, outfitted in a customized Sharks camo jersey, Castillo took a leap of faith from 13,000 feet as an act of support and solidarity for his fellow comrades. The skydiving experience was captured on video by the Sharks Digital Media department and the piece ran on the videoboard leading up to Castillo dropping that same puck with which he skydived making it the ultimate puck drop-in.

Fans and staff alike embraced the military spirit. Team mascot S.J. Sharkie, the Sharks Ice Team, Tank Patrol and in-arena host Jon Root all donned camo jerseys or hats, while many front office members wore army green colored apparel. During a recognition moment for all veteran and military members in attendance at the game, 97-year-old World War II vet Manuel Evangelho received a standing ovation from the crowd as his presence was announced and he was highlighted on the videoboard.
Non-profit
Vet Tix
had a strong presence at the game hosting 300 military members. As the official Sharks "Non-Profit of the Night" partner, Vet Tix was the beneficiary of an in-game auction comprised of Adidas military jerseys that Sharks players wore during warm-ups. Throughout the evening, guests of Vet Tix were able to participate in in-game experiences including Zamboni rides and a post-game photo on the ice.
The Sharks Foundation executed a military inspired in-game auction at their booth on the concourse with 100% of the net proceeds benefiting Mission Volant. The auction featured eight items including a team-signed authentic camo jersey, and a military-themed goalie mask which was customized and worn during warm-ups by Sharks goaltender #30 Aaron Dell. Dell donated the mask to the Foundation which went for auction at nearly $4,000 and raised the final donation total to Mission Volant to $8,900 from auction net proceeds.

The Sharks Foundation's 50/50 Raffle presented by Black Oak Casino and Resort benefitted non-profit
United Heroes League
whose mission is to keep military kids active and healthy while their parents serve our country by providing free sports equipment, game tickets, cash grants, and skill development camps to military families across the U.S. and Canada. The total jackpot for the evening was $21,800, extending a $10,900 donation to the non-profit.
Between Mission Volant and United Heroes League, the Foundation hosted 30 guests comprised of veteran and active military members and their families at the game and treated the group to a post-game meet-and-greet with the team.

The Sharks were proud to honor all those who have served or are currently serving our country on a special evening of recognition and gratitude.