Sheng Peng
Patrick Marleau didn’t get to break Gordie Howe’s All-Time Games Played record at home in San Jose, but at least he got to come home to San Jose Sharks fans.
Tonight, SAP Center hosted fans – more exactly, a couple hundred staff, friends, and family members – for the first time since Mar. 8, 2020.
From Saskatchewan to San Jose, congratulations on breaking the unbreakable record Patrick Marleau!#HistoryMarleaud pic.twitter.com/g6yn6tkpcU
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) April 25, 2021
The San Jose Sharks surprised Marleau with a nine-minute tribute video, narrated by long-time San Jose teammate, Joe Thornton. Owen Nolan, Sidney Crosby, Auston Matthews, Mark Howe were among those who paid tribute to Mr. Shark. From Canada, Marleau’s parents, Denis and Denise, and his brother and sister also sent video messages.
“You’re a legend,” Thornton said to Marleau.
Marleau, flanked by his wife Christina and their four sons, was visibly moved, tearing up on multiple occasions.
Washed up Toronto columnists look away pic.twitter.com/cHvNw5PZin
— Brian Truong (@_BrianTruong) April 25, 2021
“You’re a better person than you are a hockey player,” ex-Sharks teammate Mike Ricci said to Marleau, “and you are a great hockey player.”
The San Jose Sharks also paid tribute in warm-ups and by re-decorating SAP Center.
Which one is Patrick?
Every #SJSharks player is wearing a heritage 12 jersey during warmups pic.twitter.com/PDUsbnMZiI
— Jonathan Becher (@jbecher) April 25, 2021
This fan art deserves a 1768/10 ❤️#HistoryMarleaud pic.twitter.com/FjRgaJ5JeQ
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) April 25, 2021
Nice Marleau touch for tonight pic.twitter.com/KOoVh8zmkx
— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) April 24, 2021