Sharks Launching Their All-New Audio Network Before Start of This Season

 The Sharks announced yesterday that they will launch the Sharks Audio Network on January 12, one day before the start of the 2021 regular season. 

The new Sharks Audio Network will feature 24/7 streaming, live game broadcasts, exclusive programming, and replays of previous games in Sharks history. There will also be opportunities for fans to interact with Sharks players, coaches, alumni, and hosts. Once it has been launched, it will be available through the Sharks+SAP Center app and sjsharks.com and will become the new home for all Sharks and AHL Barracuda radio broadcasts moving forward. For live Sharks game broadcasts, Dan Rusanowsky will return as play-by-play announcer for his 30th season, alongside color commentators and former Sharks Scott Hannan and Mark Smith. AHL Barracuda broadcasts and analysis will be handled by Nick Nollenberger. 

The first programming to air on the Sharks Audio Network on January 12 at 8 am PT will be the 2021 Season Preview Show hosted by Dan Rusanowsky, Randy Hahn, and Bret Hedican. The hosts will break down the Sharks' training camp and look at the unusual 2021 season ahead. Multiple Sharks players and coaches will also make appearances on the Season Preview Show. 

More specific programming and exact program schedules will be released in the coming days. As for my thoughts, I think this is a good move by the Sharks as more people are streaming online for their audio content than listening to traditional AM/FM radio. Fans can get more of the Sharks content they want at any time, all in one place. However, some fans from older generations may prefer the previous way of listening to Sharks games on AM/FM radio since it may be more convenient for them if they are driving somewhere when a game is taking place. I will definitely be tuning into the Sharks Audio Network whenever I have a chance to and if I can't access a TV to watch a live broadcast. Unlike some teams' attempts to launch their own audio networks, I feel like the Sharks will be successful with theirs in the short term and long term.

Source: Official statement via the San Jose Sharks