San Jose Sharks Unveil Name For New AHL Franchise

Mar 14, 2015; San Jose, CA, USA; Outside view of south ticket entrance of the SAP Center before the game between the San Jose Sharks and the Chicago Blackhawks at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

The San Jose Sharks announced on Thursday morning that their new American Hockey League (AHL) franchise has a name: The San Jose Barracuda.

Here is @sjbarracuda, new #SJSharks AHL franchise (starting in 2015-16), pres. by @barracuda. http://t.co/xjLe5tP84t pic.twitter.com/9L8dnwLFxX
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) April 2, 2015

The San Jose Barracuda will begin play at SAP Center next season as the AHL announced earlier in the year that there would be a new Pacific Division within the league. Currently, San Jose’s top development affiliate has been in Worcester, but this will be the final season before the move to San Jose. The Sharks have been affiliated with the Worcester Sharks since 2006.

Along with the release of the name, the Barracuda released their three jerseys: white when at home, teal on the road and a predominantly orange alternate jersey.

Drum roll... The #SJBarracuda jerseys for 2015-16. White at @SAPCenter, Teal on the road and Orange as an alternate. pic.twitter.com/VQIFc2wABv
— San Jose Barracuda (@sjbarracuda) April 2, 2015

The move was a big one that should help the Sharks in being able to scout, develop and call-up players. Instead of a cross-country flight, the top development team will be located in the same city as the professional club which can only be a positive.

The other NHL teams that will have their top development teams in the Pacific Division of the AHL include the Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings, Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames.