Life on the Road photo journal: A captain returns to former home
Take a behind-the-scenes look at Joe Pavelski's emotional San Jose homecoming presented by Toyota
by Sean Berry @SeanBerryPhotog / DallasStars.com Photographer
As the Stars wrapped up their California journey with a final stop Saturday night in San Jose, take an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at what life is like on the road through the lens of team photographer Sean Berry. For more, follow @seanberryphoto on Instagram.
The series finale: Former Sharks captain Joe Pavelski returns to San Jose.
Previous editions: Part 1 - Touching down in California | Part 2 - Game day in Los Angeles | Part 3 - A 'homecoming' win in Anaheim
11 a.m. PT
Joe Pavelski buckles his helmet and smiles as he makes his return to SAP Center as a member of the Stars during morning skate. The 35-year-old spent 13 seasons with the San Jose Sharks -- the only organization he ever knew before signing with Dallas as a free agent in the offseason.
11:12 a.m. PT
Jamie Oleksiak and Esa Lindell battle for the puck along the end boards during a morning skate drill.
4:15 p.m. PT
Stars captain Jamie Benn (top) and center Tyler Seguin make their way down the escelator of the team hotel and head toward the buses that will transport them to SAP Center for Saturday's game.
4:25 p.m. PT
Before boarding the team bus, Tyler Seguin stops and signs a young Stars fan's jersey outside the team hotel.
6:15 p.m. PT
Joe Pavelski, who had a million reasons to smile Saturday, admitted "it was weird" to be in the visitor's dressing room and hearing the names of his longtime San Jose teammates announced to the crowd.
6:58 p.m. PT
Taylor Fedun, Esa Lindell and Jason Dickinson share a laugh before making their way through the tunnel for pregame warmup.
7:18 p.m. PT
Flanked by teal-clad supporters wearing his former No. 8 from his time with the Sharks, Joe Pavelski tosses a puck to the crowd.
7:30 p.m. PT
Joe Pavelski raises his stick and skates around the ice, saluting the SAP Center fans during an emotional video tribute in the first period. After the game, Pavelski called it an incredible honor.
"It was awesome," Pavelski said. "This is a special place to myself and my family. To be out there when the building is filled like this … I've always had a special bond with these fans and those guys over there. It was a tremendous night. They did it right."
8:51 p.m. PT
Jamie Benn scored a goal and dished out a few big hits like these in the game. Unfortunately for the Stars, it wasn't enough to prolong their six-game winning streak as they fell 2-1 to the Sharks.
This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club.