The San Jose Sharks will recognize the Vietnamese community of San Jose and the Bay Area during their annual Vietnamese Heritage Game, scheduled for March 19 at 7 p.m. at SAP Center, where they will face the Buffalo Sabres.
Leading up to the event, the Sharks are working with the Story Road Business Association to organize a free ball hockey clinic for local youth. The clinic is set for March 14 from 9–11 a.m. at Grand Century Mall and aims to introduce hockey in an accessible way to children in the area. Registration information can be found at Give Ball Hockey a Try – Story Road, San Jose.
After the clinic, at 11 a.m., new co-branded street pole banners will be unveiled along Story Road by the Sharks and Story Road Business Association. These banners link Highway 101—including its newly designated Little Saigon Freeway section—to businesses on Story Road in Little Saigon. The unveiling event will feature remarks from community members and an appearance by S.J. Sharkie, the team’s mascot.
More details about the ball hockey clinic are available on nhl.com/sharks/community/ball-hockey.
The Vietnamese Heritage Game on March 19 will include several cultural performances and recognitions:
– A pregame lion dance performance by Golden Turtle Lion Dance Association at South Bar.
– North Concourse performances by Sun Hing Dragon and Lion Dance Association before the game and during first intermission, with photo opportunities during second intermission.
– The national anthem performed by Victoria Thuy Vi McDowell.
– County Supervisor Betty Duong representing Tully Road and Eastridge Business Association featured in a first intermission Zamboni ride.
– City Council Member Bien Doan representing Story Road Business Association featured in a second intermission Zamboni ride.
– A special Vietnamese Heritage logo designed by Bay Area artist Brandon J. Tam will be displayed throughout the game and appear on limited-edition commemorative pucks.
Fans attending can participate in making friendship bracelets themed around Vietnamese Heritage on the concourse. Information tables hosted by both Story Road and Tully Road & Eastridge Business Associations will also be present throughout the evening.
In addition to these activities, “the Sharks are proud to announce the formation of a new Vietnamese Advisory Committee,” according to team representatives. “The committee will collaborate with the organization to help ensure authentic representation and meaningful engagement across the Vietnamese community as the team continues to celebrate Vietnamese heritage and culture throughout the year.”
Further information is available at sjsharks.com.
