SAN JOSE – Veteran winger Tyler Toffoli knows several people affected by the devastating wildfires in the greater Los Angeles area and is happy the City of San Jose and the Sharks are doing their part to support firefighters and first responders.
The Sharks are hosting their second annual First Responders Group Night at SAP Center on Thursday when they face the Nashville Predators. Along with other efforts, a portion of each ticket purchased through the group sales department for Thursday’s game will support the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Foundation.
“It’s definitely an emotional time,” said Toffoli, who spent the first seven-plus seasons of his NHL career with the Los Angeles Kings. “I know my wife (Cat) has been on top of that, and she’s emotional about it, too. (Seeing the support), it’s an amazing thing.”
The Kings honored first responders before their game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Monday at Crypto.com Arena. Los Angeles firefighters surrounded the center-ice logo as a tribute video played on the scoreboard for all first responders and firefighters.
Fans entering SAP Center Thursday night can deposit cash contributions into firefighter boots collected by volunteers or scan a QR code to donate digitally. Per the team, donations will benefit the San Jose Firefighters Burn Foundation, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, and the California Fire Foundation. Contributions will be split evenly between the three beneficiaries.
The Sharks are also auctioning first responder-themed Sharks jerseys with crest and patch artwork designed by local color artist Sylas Jumper, a fire captain at the Presidio of Monterey. The auction continues through Friday at noon. Net proceeds benefit the San Jose Fire Fighters Burn Foundation.
Fans can text “SHARKSJERSEYS” to 76278 to participate in the auction or visit www.sharksjerseys.givesmart.com. The San Jose Firefighters Burn Foundation will have an information table on the concourse during the game and will display the jerseys.
Also, proceeds from the Sharks Foundation’s 50/50 raffle on Thursday will benefit the California Fire Foundation. Earlier this month, the San Jose Fire Department had sent two engines with teams to the affected areas, part of a much wider effort that saw over 15,000 people deployed.
Thursday’s game will be preceded by a ceremonial puck drop by Alameda County Firefighter Brandon Franco, who was burned in a wildfire this summer. The San Jose Firefighters Burn Foundation provided support through his extensive hospital stay. Sergeant Katie Terrock of the San Jose Police Department will perform the national anthem.
Thursday night, the Sharks will also be recognizing Santa Clara County Sheriff “Honorary Officer” Rubi Melendez, a six-year-old from Gilroy battling cancer, and Detective Raymond Clutter, a law enforcement officer with the Mountain View Police Department. In July of 2022, Raymond stopped a vehicle when the driver ambushed him. He survived after being shot in the line of duty. Six weeks later, Raymond returned to work with the Department.
Corporal David Apple, a police officer with the City of Menlo Park. During his 17-year career, Cpl. Apple spent time as a field training officer and detective before earning the rank of corporal.
Toffoli will return to the Sharks lineup on Thursday night after missing the last three games with a lower-body injury, which took place in the morning skate before San Jose’s game against the New York Islanders.
Toffoli, who leads the Sharks with 17 goals, will start the game on a line with Macklin Celebrini and William Eklund as San Jose looks to end a four-game skid. Tuesday, the Sharks lost 7-5 to the Predators after holding a 5-1 lead in the second period.
“I think it’ll be a good challenge,” Toffoli said, “and the perfect way to respond is to just go out and have a really good night.”