Gulls Open Preseason Series With Barracuda
Jan 19, 2021The San Diego Gulls open their preseason schedule tonight when they face a familiar Pacific Division foe, the San Jose Barracuda, at 6 p.m. PT at FivePoint Arena in Irvine, CA.
San Diego comes off a weekend where its first two preseason games, scheduled against the Ontario Reign, were postponed out of an abundance of caution due to COVID-19 protocols. Tonight’s game opens a two-game set, with the same two opponents facing off on Thursday.
Tonight's game is streaming on YouTube and on the Gulls Audio Network. Tonight's game is closed to the public.
Watch: Gulls YouTube | Listen: The Gulls Audio Network
The Gulls roster enters tonight filled with some of Anaheim’s top prospects. Trevor Zegras, Anaheim’s ninth overall selection in the 2019 Draft, headlines a team stacked with 11 of the organization’s prospects. Zegras made a statement at the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championships, helping Team USA capture a gold medal for the fifth time in team history. The Bedford, NY native earned MVP honors with a tournament-leading 18 points and 11 assists. He tied the all-time Team USA World Junior Championship record for both points and assists (7-20=27). Both marks were held by Jordan Schroeder, who did so over three tournaments and 19 games (Zegras completed his second tournament and 12th career game).
Joining Zegras are three other first round selections from the 2019 and 2020 NHL Drafts. The trio includes Jamie Drysdale, Anaheim’s sixth overall selection in this year’s draft. The defenseman helped Team Canada grab a silver medal at the World Junior Championships.
Several veterans fill out San Diego’s roster, including the return of captain Sam Carrick, the team’s leader in almost every offensive category in the 2019-20 season.
Left wing Max Jones also joins the team, assigned by the Ducks to San Diego last night. The Rochester, MI native originally made Anaheim’s roster, but started the season with a lower-body injury.
San Jose opened a unique training camp on January 11. The current pandemic forced the team from its home in San Jose. The Sharks organization – which includes the Barracuda – relocated to Arizona, using the practice facility for the Arizona Coyotes to hold their camp.
The Barracuda roster features familiar faces for the Gulls, including San Diego’s former captain, Jaycob Megna. The defenseman signed a one-year contract with San Jose on November 2, bringing him back to the division. San Jose’s roster also features Ozzy Wiesblatt, the 31st overall selection of the 2020 NHL Draft.
Yesterday, the Barracuda recalled three players from the Allen Americans of the ECHL – forwards Joe Garreffa, Jake McGrew and goaltender Zachary Sawchenko.