San Jose Sharks Announce Winners of Hockey Innovation Competition

The San Jose Sharks, currently standing 11th in the Western Conference with a 39-35 record, have announced the winners of the San Jose Hockey Innovation Competition.

What is the competition about?

The competition aims to bring fresh perspectives into the NHL from people doing meaningful work across the sports ecosystem.

The NHL, NHLPA, and SAP invited college and university students from across the Bay Area to develop innovative solutions focused on the future of access and wellness through sport.

How did the competition unfold?

Across the first four editions of the competition, the contest has drawn 154 submissions from 49 educational institutions involving more than 750 students.

From the Bay Area applicant pool, the top 10 teams advanced to virtual interviews in May before a committee narrowed the field down to six finalists.

Each finalist team was paired with mentors from the NHL and SAP to refine their concepts ahead of Final Pitch Day which took place on June 1 at SAP Center, home of the San Jose Sharks.

What are the benefits of the competition?

The competition provides support needed to help new ideas grow, while discovering new ideas and opportunities from the next generation of NHL fans.

Rob Knesaurek, Senior Vice President, National Hockey League, emphasized the importance of competitions like this in shaping the NHL's view and providing new opportunities.

The San Jose Sharks Foundation played a key role in supporting the competition, highlighting the team's commitment to promoting access and wellness through sport.

The competition's focus on innovation and access aligns with the San Jose Sharks' values, demonstrating the team's dedication to making a positive impact in the community.