Stray Cat On The Ice Before Sharks Game Becomes Internet Sensation
SAN JOSE (KCBS) – A cat that made a mysterious appearance on the ice before Friday night's San Jose Sharks playoff win against the Nashville Predators has become the latest feline to make a splash online.
The little black cat has been dubbed "Joe PAW-velski," after team captain Joe Pavelski.
Team spokesperson Jim Sparaco told KCBS they believe the cat must have sneaked into the SAP Center recently.
"Fifteen minutes before the game started, it was able to weasel his way out of the bench and onto the ice, which was very interesting and we've never seen that before," Sparaco said.
Fans who watched Friday night's 5-2 win against Nashville saw the cat waltzing along the boards during pre-game warmups. The cat disappeared through a door and was eventually found hiding under the bleachers.
Hi @EASPORTSNHL, will you put the #BlackCatoftheTank in next year's game. She will go great with #NHL17Pavelski. pic.twitter.com/VhOwShPcqE
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) May 2, 2016
The kitty has been taken to a local animal shelter. Sparaco said the goal is to find the cat's owner or to find it a new home.
The Sharks lead the Western Conference Semifinal series 2-0 after defeating the Predators again on Sunday night.