After completing their 2005-06 campaign, the Sharks top development team made the move east to Worcester, Mass. for a fresh beginning. But unlike many other new teams to an area, the Worcester Sharks will have the luxury of having a squad full of players who are very familiar with each other.

The Sharks will be in a good position to make a run at the Calder Cup, symbolic of winning the American Hockey League title, this coming season due to the large number of players who will be returning to the team. The Sharks organization has always been big into drafting and developing talent within the system and 2006-07 should be no different.

Ten players from the 2005-06 team are already locked up for next season. The list of signed players includes Riley Armstrong, Tom Cavanagh, Ryane Clowe, Josh Hennessy, Mike Iggulden, Lukas Kaspar, Glenn Olson, Dan Spang, Brad Staubitz and Jonathan Tremblay.

The nature of the business allows for players to become free agents after their current contracts expire. Luckily for the Worcester Sharks, eight of the nine free agents are restricted free agents, meaning the Sharks will have the first crack at signing them.

The eight restricted free agents heading into next season include Tim Conboy, Shane Joseph, Tomas Plihal, Josh Prudden, Garrett Stafford, Craig Valette, Nolan Schaefer and Dimitri Patzold.

The lone unrestricted free agent on Worcester’s roster is defenseman Matt Carkner. He’ll also have the opportunity to sign with any team, but could also select to return to Worcester.

From top to bottom, the Sharks are extremely happy with their roster and their development system.

“We are very excited about the roster we will put on the ice in Worcester for the upcoming season,” said Worcester Sharks General Manager and San Jose Sharks Assistant General Manager Wayne Thomas. “In addition to the returning veterans from last year’s AHL team, we are committed to signing our top entry level players off of our reserve list, as well as free agent players we feel will strengthen our organization.”

Worcester fans are in for a treat when they visit DCU Center in the fall. Not only will they see some of the best young hockey players in the world, they will also get to see players who are homegrown and poised to succeed and take their game to the next level.