Swedish Heritage Night at the rink

The San Jose Sharks' Swedish players welcomed a large group of local Swedish Americans to a game this spring. 

  • San Jose Sharks Marcus Sorensen and Melker Karlsson with Chuck Wallin and Jim Melin
  • On April 4, nearly 350 Swedes were among the crowd at SAP Center in San Jose to take part in the first annual Swedish Heritage Night.
    The evening started in the Rinkside Room with some social time and a greeting from Chris Jensen of Sharks Sports and Entertainment. Just before the game, Grand Master of The Vasa Order of America Tore Kellgren and also the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce of San Francisco were recognized on the jumbotron. Of the 350-odd Swedes in attendance, 25 had their own party in the penthouse, complete with a dinner of meatballs, potatoes, veggies, salad and akvavit. What could be better than drinking akvavit but to drink it while hearing Helan Går played (twice!) on the organ! We even had a visit by former Sharks captain Owen Nolan.

  • Swedish Heritage Night at the rink.
  • After watching the Sharks skate and shoot their way past the Vancouver Canucks, we converged on the ice for a group photo with Sharks players Melker Karlsson and Marcus Sorensen. This event was very successful and we hope to see everyone next year.

  • VOA Lindbergh Lodge #494 member Chuck Wallin and Dave Jansson on the ice