Sharks Introduce Ryan Warsofsky As Head Coach

The San Jose Sharks introduced Ryan Warsofsky as head coach Monday afternoon, and the new boss was emotional during his introduction.

After President Jonathan Becher and GM Mike Grier made opening statements, Warsofsky thanked multiple people, including former Sharks head coach David Quinn.

He especially got choked up talking about Rob Concannon, one of his best friends who helped him get into coaching.

"I emailed the guy when my first year was done at Curry. It was an assistant job that opened in South Carolina in the ECHL. Rob Concannon, who's here," Warsofsky said. "I emailed him, and 10 minutes later, he called me, [which] changed my life forever. He's got some sprinkled dust down there because he's hired three NHL head coaches, Jared Bednar and Spencer Carberry. He's one of my great friends, and I love you, Rob."

Following his opening statement, media members asked the panel questions. Warsofsky was coy and wouldn't reveal any system changes he had in mind.

"We want to be fast. We want to get on teams. There will be a very distinct look of what our team looks like. I can tell you that right now. I think fans will leave our building and say, wow, that was a fun team to watch, win or lose," Warsofsky said. "The opponent will say, man, that was a tough team to play against. I think there'll be some changes structurally for sure. But I think you'll be proud of the team that we put on the ice. It will be clean. It'll be structured. There will be an effort that will be distinct throughout the whole building."

Warsofsky is the youngest active NHL head coach at 36. He says he plans to get to know the players mentally before thinking about hockey. He emphasized that, due to his age, he feels he can connect with the pressures that social media has on the new generation of hockey players.

"It's my job to understand that and to figure out these players, not just as players but as human beings first. I'll get to know them as human beings. Then I'll get going as a player," he said. "But understanding what they are like and what each player goes through off the ice on the ice. I really do feel like I'm not that far away from the room, so I understand where they're coming from."

Warsofsky is the 11th head coach in Sharks franchise history.

THN will post more from today's media availability.

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