The Sharks might be in the midst of a tough season, but it pales in comparison to what Selena Urban has been through.
Urban, 16, is a renal transplant patient and a lifelong fan of the Sharks. Her dream has always been to meet the team, and thanks to the Sharks Foundation and Make-A-Wish Bay Area, San Jose was able to make it happen Friday.
Urban's special day, which featured countless ear-to-ear smiles and an ample amount of happy tears, began with a superstar greeting from the Sharks' front office. Soon after, she made her way out to the ice at SAP Center, where San Jose was positioned for its team photo. To cross to slippery surface, she got an assist from -- who else -- Joe Thornton.
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After the photo and sharing a hug with her favorite player, Urban stuck around to get a front-row seat for the Sharks' limited practice. Given how many players stopped by to visit with her, she clearly was popular.
While she sat on the Sharks' bench, interim coach Bob Boughner came over to give her a big surprise. When San Jose hears its starting lineup Saturday night before taking on the Ottawa Senators, it will be Urban announcing the five skaters to the locker room.
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The shock and awe didn't stop there, though. After practice was over, Urban reconvened with Thornton, who had not one, but two more surprises for her.
First, he unveiled some snazzy new socks that featured Urban's graduation photo all over them. Thornton plans to wear them as part of his pregame outfit Saturday, and Urban should be able to get plenty of glimpses at them.
Why? Because Thornton is going to pick her up Saturday and drive her to the game.
The first day of Urban's dream experience concluded with a ride on the Zamboni. Saturday, though, the fun will start right back up again.