The San Jose Sharks will host two special theme nights at SAP Center this week, honoring the powerful impact of Black culture and Bay Area educators with back-to-back celebrations that spotlight community, creativity, and connection.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Celebration of Black Excellence\u00a0<\/p>\n
Thursday, February 26 – 7 p.m.\u00a0
Sharks vs. Calgary Flames\u00a0<\/p>\n
On Thursday evening, Team Teal will celebrate the legacy and vibrant future of Black culture during its annual Celebration of Black Excellence game in honor of Black History Month.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The night will feature a specialty Black Excellence logo created by local artist\u00a0Tachiya\u00a0Bryant. The logo will be\u00a0showcased\u00a0throughout the game and displayed along Barack Obama Boulevard across from SAP Center\u2019s Parking Lot D. Bryant will also be recognized in-game to share more about her creative inspiration and connection to the Sharks community.\u00a0A custom Sharks jersey featuring the Black Excellence\u00a0game\u00a0logo\u00a0will be auctioned during the game, with proceeds\u00a0benefiting\u00a0the Black Student Union of Achieve School in Palo Alto.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The evening will highlight leaders and organizations making a meaningful impact across the Bay Area, including:\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Sharks BIPOC Employee Resource Group\u00a0<\/p>\n
Ujima, an African-centered organization dedicated to healing and strengthening community through culturally responsive behavioral health services\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Silicon Valley African Film Festival\u00a0<\/p>\n
Filmmaker, actor, and director Kwame Mason will also\u00a0participate\u00a0in an in-game interview to discuss his acclaimed films\u00a0Ice Queens\u00a0and\u00a0Soul\u00a0On\u00a0Ice: Past, Present & Future, which explore diversity and representation in hockey.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Kuumba Drum Group will be performing on the\u00a0concourse\u00a0roaming\u00a0around\u00a0pregame and during the\u00a0second\u00a0intermission. Kuumba Drum Group was founded in 2022 in the Bay Area and focuses on West African dance & rhythms. Kuumba is the sixth principle of Kwanzaa that means “creativity” in Swahili (African language). This meaning is important because self-care, coping strategies, and body movement are wonderful opportunities for people to expand creativity.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Fans will enjoy a live performance from the Tabia\u00a0African-American\u00a0Theater Ensemble, performing in the Bay Area since 1985 under the direction of Viera Whye. \u201cTabia,\u201d a Swahili word meaning \u201ctalented,\u201d reflects the creativity, devotion, and diversity of the Ensemble\u2019s artists. The ensemble\u00a0will be performing at the South Bar during pre-game and\u00a0the\u00a0first\u00a0intermission.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Throughout the concourse, fans can connect with local partners,\u00a0participate\u00a0in a Celebration of Black Excellence\u00a0friendship\u00a0bracelet-making station,\u00a0and learn about the history of Black excellence in the NHL and within the Sharks organization.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Educators Appreciation Game\u00a0<\/p>\n
Saturday, February 28 – 1 p.m.\u00a0
Sharks vs. Edmonton Oilers\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Sharks will close out the week with a special matinee matchup against the Edmonton Oilers, featuring superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, as the organization celebrates educators from across the Bay Area.\u00a0All fans in attendance will receive a Sharks Puffy Tote Bag in appreciation of the educators who inspire, mentor, and empower students every day.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Educators will be recognized throughout the afternoon, including special National Anthem participation, in-game Zamboni rides, on-ice recognition moments, and interactive fan experiences.\u00a0All educators in attendance can also visit the Information Booths on the concourse (at the North and South locations) to receive an Educator\u2019s Button (while supplies last).\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
California Teacher of the Year\u00a0Chrizia\u00a0Dela Rosa will serve as the game\u2019s ceremonial puck drop honoree. A ninth-grade mathematics teacher at Piedmont Hills High School in the East Side Union High School District (Santa Clara County), Dela Rosa is known for her commitment to inclusive learning environments and her innovative approach to helping students build \u201cmath muscles\u201d through practice, resilience, and data-informed instruction. A dedicated volleyball coach as\u00a0well,\u00a0she draws parallels between athletic growth and academic achievement to inspire her students both on and off the court.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The San Jos\u00e9 Public Library collaborated with the San Jose Sharks to launch the first-ever Sharks Library Card in February 2019. Designed to celebrate San Jose\u2019s love of hockey and reading, the card gives fans a fun way to show their team spirit while accessing free books, digital resources, programs, and more. To date,\u00a0nearly\u00a050,000\u00a0Sharks Library Cards have been issued. Fans can\u00a0participate\u00a0in this program on the concourse during the game and learn more at\u00a0www.sjpl.org\/sjsharks.<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n Fans are encouraged to join the Sharks for both\u00a0games\u00a0as SAP Center becomes a hub for celebration, culture, and community impact.\u00a0<\/p>\n