Great day off at AT&T after a big win last night. @SanJoseSharks @SFGiants
San Jose Sharks captain Joe Pavelski has played a crucial role in helping his team reach their first Stanley Cup Final in franchise history.
The former seventh-round draft pick is coming off one of his better regular seasons in the NHL and statistically, his best postseason in the league.
Pavelski is second in the NHL in points (22), only behind teammate Logan Couture (25). He leads in goals, with 12.
While he’s known for his offensive ability on the ice, off the ice, Pavelski is a family man.
Throughout the ups and downs of his 10 years in the NHL, his family has been by his side.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Joe and His Wife, Sarah Pavelski, Met in Waterloo When He Was Playing Junior Hockey
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Joe met his future wife when he was playing for the Waterloo Black hawks, a junior ice-hockey team in Iowa.
Pavelski arrived in 2002 and played two seasons for the Black Hawks.
Pavelski told The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, he considers Waterloo a second home because of the relationships he formed during his time playing there.
“That is a credit to Waterloo because there are a lot of good people that I enjoy coming back to see,” Pavelski told reporters when he returned to have his Black Hawks number retired in a special ceremony.
“A lot of people helped me .. Sarah, her family and friends … P.K. … all have a hand in my success.”
Sarah attended college at University of Northern Iowa. The two married in July 2008.
2. Joe & Sarah have a 5-year-old son
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On October 26, 2010, the couple welcomed their first-born child Nathan Joseph Pavelski.
Joe Pavelski told Mercury News that coming home to his wife and 5-year-old son after the grind of traveling is his respite.
“It makes my job so much easier,” said Pavelski. “There’s definitely days when you come home, I think it was from St. Louis, when you pull in the driveway after the airport. It’s pretty cool, you step back into the house and into the family.”
3. His Wife Is a Member of the ‘Good Vibe Tribe’
.@SanJoseSharks wives soaking in success as the ‘Good Vibe Tribe’ t.co/bZO4DagCmL @juliasulek
Being the wife of a Shark has its challenges, especially during the postseason. San Jose has become known for its history of playoff hopes ending too soon with disappointing losses.
Sarah along with other players’ wives have remained optimistic, banding together as the “Good Vibe Tribe.”
According to an article by Mercury News, the wives have formed a strong bond throughout the years. The group watches the games together, wearing matching bedazzled T-shirts in the stands of the SAP Center. Even during away games they stick together, gathering at one of their homes to cheer on their husbands.
“This year, we are only about the good vibes — no getting down,” Sarah told Mercury News. “We’re all about, ‘Let’s say something positive about every game no matter what happens,’ and it’s worked.”
4. Joe’s son is Following in His Dad’s Footsteps on the Ice
From time to time, Joe Pavelski tweets photos and videos of his son, Nathan, proudly wearing San Jose jerseys and practicing his goalie skills.
It’s clear that Pavelski and his son share a love for the game. And after watching this year’s All-Star Game Skills Competition, it seems they also share a talent.
Pavelski and San Jose teammate Brent Burns had their sons team up for the breakaway challenge at Bridgestone Arena.
Little Pavelski stole the show with the assist on the shootout goal, with his dad skating alongside.
5. His Brother, Scott, Is a Former Hockey Player & Current Coach
Joe’s brother, Scott, who is four years younger than him also grew up playing hockey.
Scott skated in Waterloo for two campaigns from 2007-2009. He appeared in 111 regular-season contests, recording 16 goals and 23 assists.
According to The Courier, in 2008-09, his +19 rating was second among Black Hawks forwards, trailing only current Nashville Predator Craig Smith.
After playing for Waterloo, Scott enrolled at the University of New Hampshire, where he played in more than 80 NCAA games for the Wildcats.
He rejoined the Black Hawks as their assistant head coach in 2013.