Former San Jose Sharks captain and team legend Joe Pavelski was inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2025.
One-time Sharks center Scott Gomez was also part of the inductees.
Pavelski was given the nickname Captain America after being named Team USA’s captain at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.
The San Jose Sharks drafted the centerman in the 7th round of the 2003 NHL Draft, and his long-shot NHL career turned into one of the best late-round picks ever. Pavelski would play 18 years in the NHL for the Sharks and Dallas Stars, playing in 1,332 career regular-season games.
USA Hockey held a virtual media availability for all the inductees and allowed reporters to ask questions. Pavelski was asked about his durability.
“For me, you have to go right back to the start of the career, starting in San Jose. Having the leaders I had around us, with Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau, [Jeremy] Roenick, and Rob Blake. We just had a whole list of guys that it was easy,” Pavelski said. “I think people kind of overlook how important that is when you come in as a young player, and to have that veteran leadership. There really wasn’t an option besides to play. They played through a lot of injuries, and they kind of led by example.”
The other U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame inductees include Bruce Bennett, Tara Mounsey, and Zach Parise.
Read more news and stories about the San Jose Sharks on Sharks Hockey Digest! Bookmark the page and follow Sharks Hockey Digest on Twitter @SharksHKYDigest!
More About: Sharks News