GOTTA SEE IT: Wilson Passes Torch to Grier, Speaks Up for Hasso in Emotional Speech

Welcome guest writer Max Miller! 

The San Jose Sharks held an Appreciation Night pregame ceremony for former player and general manager Doug Wilson. Wilson stepped away from his role as GM of the Sharks late in the 2021-22 season due to health issues.

During pregame warmup, both the Sharks and the Chicago Blackhawks wore No. 24 Wilson sweaters. Wilson wore No. 24 as a player for both teams during his 16-year playing career.

Ace photographer @hockeyshots on it: Here's Hertl warming up with his Doug Wilson No. 24 tribute jersey pic.twitter.com/jIJf84o37r

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) October 16, 2022

Wilson was a defenseman with the Blackhawks for 14 years and just two years with the Sharks. As a player for the San Jose Sharks, Wilson became the franchise’s first-ever team captain as well as the first-ever Sharks player selected to the NHL All-Star game.

Our first captain and 19 years dedicated to building the #SJSharks organization.

Thank you, Doug 💙 pic.twitter.com/g6LR31NHhy

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) October 16, 2022

After his playing career, he was named GM of the Sharks and orchestrated many squads to deep playoff runs, bringing in players like Joe Thornton, who was in attendance for the ceremony.

Jumbo is among the former Sharks players on hand to help honor Doug Wilson pic.twitter.com/PVefG8jcx0

— Sharks on NBCS (@NBCSSharks) October 16, 2022

Joe Thornton gets a thunderous applause from #SJSharks fans when he’s introduced before Doug Wilson Appreciation Night pic.twitter.com/bYQqF0u6QK

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) October 16, 2022

Wilson gave an emotional speech and thanked staff members and players of both teams. He also gave a shoutout to all his role models from when he first entered the NHL at just 19 years old.

Wilson also said of current San Jose Sharks owner Hasso Plattner: “What you need to know about Hasso is he loves the game more than anybody. He wants to win. He’s committed to the community.

“I think he’s one of the finest owners in sports.”

Wilson: "You guys are in great hands with Mike Grier."

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) October 16, 2022

Wilson closes: "There's going to be a Stanley Cup championship in this city one day. Mike Grier, I pass the torch to you."

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) October 16, 2022

After Wilson’s speech, SAP Center unveiled a new banner to the rafters for Doug Wilson which now hangs next to the George Gund III commemorative banner.

Doug Wilson is honored with a banner in the rafters at SAP Center 🤩 pic.twitter.com/FL1QBm1aIE

— Sharks on NBCS (@NBCSSharks) October 16, 2022

Throughout the game, some short video tributes were played from former Sharks luminaries like Joe Pavelski, Rob Blake, Patrick Marleau, and others.

Although the Hall of Fame defenseman never won a Stanley Cup as the GM of the San Jose Sharks, he led the franchise’s growth for 19 years and deserves every bit of recognition from players, staff, and fans throughout the Bay Area.

Doug Wilson Recognition Night 🙌🏼 pic.twitter.com/Qn79GOGezi

— Fear the Fin (@fearthefin) October 16, 2022