Middleton Gets the Call-Up…to Sharks’ Escape Room Group

Jake Middleton was called up recently — and I’m not talking about the NHL.

“I got a call-up two rooms ago. They heard I was pretty good. We [had] done one down here, Rudy and Lane Peterson and I with our wives and girlfriends. Rudy gave them the heads-up that I excelled, that I was pretty good in there,” the AHL veteran said. “So I got the call-up to the A-squad.”

Middleton, of course, is talking about an escape room, where he, Tomas Hertl, Logan Couture, Rudolfs Balcers, and Nick Bonino recently celebrated Hertl’s eight-year extension in Los Angeles.

Couture says he celebrated Hertl's extension in an escape room yesterday with Tommy, Balcers, Bonino, and Middleton (Burns too but he left early): "We've been going into one in every city on the road. Our record is pretty good."

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) March 17, 2022

“Burnzie stopped going,” Middleton shared. “We’re 2-0 with some pretty impressive times. I think we got one in Edmonton.”

The San Jose Sharks visit Edmonton on Mar. 24.

But they’ll be hard-pressed to replicate their success in LA.

“The last one, we were lost in a Mayan jungle, looking for a mask to put on this guy. They give you the backstory and they throw you in a room and you got to figure your way how to get out. It’s a process,” Middleton said. “The guy we had last time in LA, he was very impressed. He said we were the best group he’s had in six months. That was a nice pat on the back.”

AT SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW…

How Can Sharks Create Cap Space to Improve Scoring Depth?

‘This is a commitment to winning now’: Hertl, Will Talk Extension, Sharks’ Direction

Thornton ‘Going to Enjoy Every Minute’ Back at Shark Tank

Couture, Hertl Reflect on Thornton’s Sharks’ Legacy

Jumbo Returns to the Shark Tank

Sharks’ Biggest Problem Isn’t the Contracts

IN OTHER SHARKS NEWS…

The San Jose Barracuda’s soon-to-be home finally has a name: Tech CU Arena.

EXCLUSIVE: Barracuda Arena Gets Name https://t.co/gN8BNtzm7L #SJSharks pic.twitter.com/YgOAUWF8dU

— TEAL TOWN USA – A San Jose Sharks Podcast (@TEALTOWNUSA) March 15, 2022

The San Jose Sharks highlight Rebecca Buehler for Women of Teal night. (NHL)

The Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly interested in acquiring Jake Middleton. (theScore)

Artemi Kniazev sits at number 20 among the top-25 Sharks under age 25. (Fear the Fin)

Many have wondered who the San Jose Sharks in-arena announcer has been over the last three games. It’s been Oakland A’s PA announcer Amelia Schimmel!

My third @SanJoseSharks game on the mic and hopefully second W. Honored to take part in the #WomenofTeal night. And what a great surprise getting to meet Danny Miller! 🎙 pic.twitter.com/MdDNRLrMHY

— Amelia Schimmel (@SchimmelAmelia) March 16, 2022

AROUND THE NHL…

The list of the 10 finalists for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award was announced Wednesday. (NHL)

Quinn Hughes is a product of the new era of NHL defensemen. (NHL)

USA sled hockey claims a fourth consecutive Olympic gold medal. (Team USA)

Jakob Chychrun’s ankle injury may not be as bad as originally feared, good news for trade deadline possibilities. (Arizona Sports)

West Coast Hockey Sports and Entertainment to start a new junior hockey league in the Western US in 2023. (The Hockey News)

Is keeping Mike Matheson and Kris Letang together the best move for the Pittsburgh Penguins?

Should Penguins Keep Matheson-Letang Together? The Twist…

Boston Bruins sign Marc McLaughlin to a two-year entry-level contract:

Boston Bruins Sign BC’s McLaughlin To Two-Year NHL Deal

Haggs: Boston Bruins Become True Contenders with Lindholm Trade

Colorado Avalanche trade Tyson Jost traded to Minnesota Wild for Nico Strum:

TRADE ANALYSIS: Tyson Jost dealt to Minnesota Wild for Nico Sturm

The Florida Panthers acquire Ben Chiarot ahead of the trade deadline:

Florida Panthers trade for D Ben Chiarot before NHL Deadline

Florida Panthers make blockbuster trade for Claude Giroux

Josh Manson speaks about joining the Colorado Avalanche:

Josh Manson Shocked, Stunned, thrilled to be with Colorado Avalanche

Brock Nelson is making history with the New York Islanders:

Brock Nelson Quietly Tying History With 24th Goal of Season

Will the Vegas Golden Knights move to pick up a goaltender at the trade deadline?

5 Goaltending Options for the Vegas Golden Knights at the Deadline

A look at the career of the Philadelphia Flyers‘ Claude Giroux:

Flyers icon Claude Giroux: By the (mostly amazing) numbers over the years

Carchidi column: Next few days critical for Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher’s future

Washington Capitals finally see Alex Ovechkin take sole possession of third place on the NHL’s all-time goals list:

WATCH: Ovechkin Passes Jagr For Third On NHL’s All-Time Goals List, Bench Empties For Group Hug

2020 second round-pick Cross Hanas signs ELC with the Detroit Red Wings:

Detroit Red Wings sign WHL standout Cross Hanas

Jim Benning’s Vancouver Canucks may yet make a playoff run, just without Jim Benning:

The Irony of Jim Benning’s Canucks Being a Playoff Threat

Calle Jarnkrok joins the Calgary Flames ahead of the trade deadline:

Flames grab Calle Jarnkrok ahead of NHL trade deadline

Jake Allen rejoins the Montreal Canadiens just before the trade deadline:

Jake Allen Returning Days Before NHL Trade Deadline