The San Jose Sharks have made some changes to their hockey operations department.
As per general manager Mike Grier, these are the changes that were made:
Hockey Operations Additions:
Joe Thornton - Player Development Coach/Hockey Operations Advisor
Owen Hixon – Equipment Manager Assistant
New Roles & Titles:
Charlie Townsend – Director of Hockey Operations
AJ Bernstein – Hockey Operations, Strategy and Data Analyst
Dylan Finan – Hockey Operations, Scouting Coordinator
Jon Hull – Head USA Amateur Scout
Tim LeRoy – Assistant Equipment Manager
Thomas Vanek – Hockey Operations Advisor
Among all the changes, the biggest one is Jumbo Joe Thornton, who now joins the organization as a Player Development Coach/Hockey Operations Advisor. He retired after the 2021-22 season and scored 1,539 points in 1,714 games. He joins Patrick Marleau as one of the only players to have their jersey hung in the rafters at the SAP Center.
Additionally, former Buffalo Sabres forward Thomas Vanek is also joining the front office. He played in 1,029 games and scored 789 points. He will be taking on the role of Hockey Operations Advisor alongside Thornton.
The Sharks are making a ton of changes to better their organization. Between these moves in the front office and everything they've done on the ice, Grier is clearly trying his hardest to get this team back to its winning ways.
