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Article: Sharks in uncharted waters San Jose prepares for first trip to conference finals
- Article from:
- Oakland Tribune
- Article date:
- May 6, 2004
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright 2004 Oakland Tribune. Provided by ProQuest LLC. (Hide copyright information)
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SAN JOSE -- More than a few times during the Sharks' incredible
season, Mike Rathje has pondered just how much has changed in San
Jose since he initially put on the NHL's first teal uniform.
Rathje has been with the Sharks since 1993, when he was a 19-year-
old defenseman and the Sharks were absolutely terrible. After years
of mediocrity and instability, San Jose is in the Western Conference
finals for the first time in its 13-year franchise history -- and
Rathje is enjoying it as much as the team's loyal fans.
"It's just great for the people who live here and love the
Sharks," said Rathje, the longest-tenured player and a full-time San
Jose resident. "We've had some successes, but we've ...