A strategic reshuffle in the Sharks' front office
The San Jose Sharks announced a series of front‑office moves that will reshape the team’s hockey operations ahead of the 2026‑27 season, signaling a push to professionalize support staff across the organization.
Nathan Airey, a former University of Minnesota goaltender who compiled a 16‑11‑3 record over 35 career games, has been added as the club’s emergency backup goalie, a position now required to be filled by a full‑time, traveling player under the latest collective bargaining agreement.
Eric Pinsky, who previously served as video coach and hockey operations manager for the Sharks’ AHL affiliate, the Barracuda, has been named assistant video coach, succeeding Cody Ward, bringing a blend of analytical and operational experience to the role.
Josh Woodard, the new head equipment manager, takes over from Mike Aldrich, who held the position for three decades, injecting fresh perspective into the locker‑room logistics and equipment coordination.
Scott Greenberg joins as head physical therapist, working alongside Mike Potenza and the medical staff to oversee player rehabilitation and maintain the team’s health standards.
The organization also expanded its amateur scouting department with the addition of Cameron Burt and Tyler Holske, both former professional defensemen and goaltenders who bring extensive playing experience to the evaluation process.
Under the new NHL‑NHL Players’ Association agreement, each team must maintain a full‑time EBUG who wears jersey No. 00, a structural shift from past emergency uses when players like Yaroslav Askarov were unavailable.
Last season the Sharks were forced to sign EBUGs to amateur tryouts for road games, fielding names such as Justin Kowalkoski and Kyle Chauvette; while they never saw ice time, the team fell to the Philadelphia Flyers and edged the Boston Bruins.
Burt, 39, hails from Detroit, while Holske, 35, originates from Attleboro, Massachusetts, and currently serves as GM and head coach of the South Shore Kings in the USPHL, adding depth to the scouting roster.
The moves signal a broader effort to professionalize support staff and ensure depth across all facets of the franchise as it prepares for the upcoming campaign.