5 Hockey Players who Played for Sharks and Hurricanes
My guess is you’ve searched this page out because you’re playing the Immaculate Grid.
If I’m right, that also means that today’s grid is asking for players that have played for both the San Jose Sharks and the Carolina Hurricanes.
And, I’m also guessing that you’re a little stuck on this particular square and you’re looking for a little help to keep your grid immaculate. Sound about right so far?
Well, good news, I’m here to help.
I’ve already done the research and have put together a list of well-known stars along with some more “under-the-radar” players that could land you a low rarity score.
Artūrs Irbe
Artūrs Irbe is a retired Latvian goaltender and current coach. He played in the NHL for the San Jose Sharks, Dallas Stars, Vancouver Canucks, and Carolina Hurricanes, and is renowned for his time with the Sharks and Hurricanes. Irbe was drafted 196th overall by the Minnesota North Stars in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft.
Irbe joined the Sharks in the 1991-92 season and played an instrumental role in leading them to their first playoff appearance in the 1993-94 season. He became a beloved figure in San Jose, earning the nickname “The Wall”.
After a stint with the Sharks, Irbe played as a backup goaltender for the Stars and Canucks before becoming the starter for the Hurricanes in the 1998-99 season. His career highlight came in the 2001-02 season when he led the Hurricanes to the Stanley Cup finals.
Irbe Key Stats
- 30+ Win Season (Sharks, Hurricanes)
Ryan Dzingel
Ryan Dzingel was selected in the 7th round, 204th overall, by the Ottawa Senators in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. After a successful collegiate career at Ohio State University, he made his NHL debut with the Senators during the 2015-2016 season.
Over the next few years, Dzingel’s offensive production steadily increased, and he established himself as a reliable forward for Ottawa. However, the next few years of his career saw Dzingel changing zip codes quite often.
In 2019, he was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets, and later that year, he signed as a free agent with the Carolina Hurricanes. After a stint with the Hurricanes, Dzingel returned to the Senators in 2021. He then made quick stops with the Coyotes and Sharks.
Brian Boucher
Brian Boucher was selected by the Philadelphia Flyers in the first round of the 1995 NHL Entry Draft. He began his NHL career with the Flyers, where he quickly made a mark during his rookie season by helping the team reach the Eastern Conference Finals in 2000.
Over his career, Boucher played for multiple teams, including the Phoenix Coyotes, Calgary Flames, Chicago Blackhawks, Columbus Blue Jackets, San Jose Sharks, and Carolina Hurricanes.
One of the standout moments of Boucher’s career was setting an NHL record for the longest shutout streak by a goaltender during the 2003-2004 season while playing for the Phoenix Coyotes. He went 332 minutes and 1 second without allowing a goal, a testament to his skill and focus.
Brent Burns
Brent Burns was selected 20th overall by the Minnesota Wild in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. Primarily known for his time with the San Jose Sharks, Burns has been a versatile player, known for playing both as a defenseman and a right winger.
Throughout his career, Burns has been named an NHL All-Star multiple times. His standout season came in 2016-2017, when he scored 29 goals and 76 points, earning the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the league’s best defenseman.
To date, Burns has recorded over 800 points including 245 goals and 593 assists. He’s also been a key player in the Sharks’ playoff runs, including their trip to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2016.
Burns Key Stats
- All-Star (Sharks)
- 50+ Assist Season (Sharks)
Sandis Ozolins
Sandis Ozolins, born in Latvia, is a retired player and coach. Ozolins was drafted 30th overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft and made his NHL debut in the 1992-93 season. He quickly became known for his scoring ability, leading the league in goals by a defenseman in his sophomore year.
In the 1995-96 season, Ozolins was traded to the Colorado Avalanche, where he won the Stanley Cup. He set career highs with 68 points in the 1996-97 season and finished third in Norris Trophy voting.
Ozolins’s career included stints with the Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, and New York Rangers. Ozolins was a seven-time NHL All-Star and the all-time leader for goals, assists, points, and games played by a Latvian in the NHL.
Ozolins Key Stats
- Stanley Cup Champion (Avalanche)
