San Jose Barracuda defenseman Jack Thompson and the rest of the roster are excited for the first home playoff game at Tech CU Arena, including the noise.
Friday night is the first time since 2019 that San Jose Sharks fans will see playoff hockey in San Jose.
Thompson joked that he is preparing for the noise levels of an expected sellout crowd by remembering ‘Cuda Kids Day earlier this season.
“Take what I learned from the kids’ day game, something like that,” Thompson said. “It’s gonna be loud. I think it plays in our hand a little more than [Colorado].”
While the fans at Friday night’s game won’t be filled with as many kids, the noise will likely be even louder. Throughout the week of practice, many players have told SHD that the noise from Barracuda fans will be an advantage.
“[I’m] super excited. We were maybe robbed of that a bit in the first series, just playing in Crypto.com Arena,” Collin Graf said. “Super cool, but it wasn’t full, right? It wasn’t the same thing, and then you’re on the road, so fans are not really rooting for you. It should be really exciting. Hopefully [our fans are] excited for playoff hockey.”
Fellow defenseman Braden Hache told SHD that the mood is pure excitement inside the San Jose Barracuda locker room.
“This organization hasn’t seen playoff hockey in a long time,” Hache said. “Even going out there for morning skate and seeing the rally towels everywhere, the buzz and the excitement of a hockey player when you wake up on a Game Day in playoffs is unlike any other.”
Rally towels were placed on every seat at Tech CU Arena for Barracuda fans to wave during game one of the Calder Cup Playoffs.
Thompson knows he must have fun to be successful
The professional hockey season is long, and if San Jose Sharks and Barracuda players aren’t having fun, it won’t bring success.
Thompson has been spotted joking around with teammates after scoring a goal during practice, ensuring he balances fun with seriousness.
“It’s a long year. If you’re not coming to the rink and having a good time or enjoying yourself in practice, I think you’re in the wrong business,” Thompson said. “I have fun both [with the] Sharks and Barracuda. I try to bring energy, bring that youthfulness to the team, and just have some fun. You’re playing professional hockey for a living, so it’s great.”
Tech CU Arena has a maximum capacity of 4,200. Thompson says Friday night could be the biggest Barracuda home crowd.
“It’ll be a blast. I mean, the biggest crowd I’ve played in [front of] here. I’m looking forward to that, and looking forward to the energy,” Thompson said. “Having playoff hockey in San Jose, it’s important and exciting for the city.”
Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. PT against the Colorado Eagles.
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