Patrick Marleau makes emotional return to San Jose
SAN JOSE, Calif. — Patrick Marleau woke up in his own home in San Jose and drove to the rink to prepare for a hockey game just as he has done countless times during his stellar career.
Only this day was much different.
Marleau was the opponent in the Shark Tank for the first time Monday when he returned to the arena he starred in for 19 seasons.
When he arrived for the Toronto Maple Leafs’ morning skate, he turned right to head to the visitors’ dressing room rather than his customary left turn to go to the Sharks’ room. The differences from his previous routine became even more stark when he squared off against his former teammates following an emotional pregame ceremony.