San Jose Sharks Banner Controversy
The San Jose Sharks are taking steps to rectify a mistake involving a recently unveiled banner at SAP Center that incorrectly celebrated the team’s achievements. As part of their preparations for the new NHL season, the Sharks introduced updated banners in their arena, featuring a smaller team logo alongside larger lettering. The team’s six division titles have each been combined into a single banner for a cleaner presentation.
Presidents’ Trophy Error
However, during a preseason matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights, fans noticed a significant error on one of the new banners, which claimed that the Sharks had won the prestigious Presidents’ Trophy in the 2015-16 season. This trophy is awarded to the NHL team with the best regular-season record. In reality, the Sharks finished 11th in the league that season and were 22 points behind the Washington Capitals, who were the rightful holders of the trophy that year.
Although the Sharks advanced to the Stanley Cup Final in 2016, where they fell to the Pittsburgh Penguins, they did not secure the Presidents’ Trophy that season.
Clarification from Team President
The confusion likely stems from the fact that the Sharks did indeed win the Presidents’ Trophy in the 2008-09 season, marking the franchise’s only occasion finishing first overall in the regular-season standings, a feat that has not been commemorated properly in their banner display.
Jonathan Becher, the president of the Sharks, addressed the issue, labeling it a “printing error” and confirmed that the team was already aware of the mix-up. Becher assured fans that steps are being taken to correct the oversight, with a replacement banner on order.
